From Anna Kournikova to Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic, women’s tennis is known every bit as much for their good looking women as their good looking forehands. The three aforementioned ladies have been the “it girl” on tour at one point in their career, and before them one could argue the likes of Tracy Austin, Gabriela Sabatini, Steffi Graf, or Mary Joe Fernandez held the same title. Not only are many of the women on tour beautiful, but they also are in fantastic physical shape allowing ladies like Ashley Harkleroad to pose in Playboy. While Kournikova, Sharapova, and Ivanovic have dropped off because of injuries, struggles, or to pursue a new career (in the case of Kournikova), a new leading lady has emerged in women’s tennis: Caroline Wozniacki.
Despite being just 20 years old, Wozniacki is no stranger to the spotlight. With Serena missing this year’s U.S. Open because of a foot injury, the #2 ranked Wozniacki has been elevated to the top seed at Flushing Meadows. Caroline has been on tour since 2005, got her first wins on tour in 2008 (winning three tournaments), took three more in 2009 (and appeared in five other finals), and she has been on a roll this summer, winning three of her last four tournaments.
Although Wozniacki has not fared well in Grand Slam events, her best finish was reaching the finals of the U.S. Open last year before losing to Kim Clijsters. With Serena out of the mix this year, the top-seeded Dane will have as good a chance as any woman on tour to win the event. Not only does Serena’s absence present an excellent opportunity for Wozniacki to win the title, but she also has the chance to become the number one player in the world if she wins this tournament.
With the way she has been playing, I’m betting on her to capture her first Grand Slam title. Get used to seeing the name now because you’ll be hearing it frequently over the next two weeks and hopefully several years. This is Caroline Wozniacki’s tour to overtake.
