OFF: Who is the Best Tennis Player to Never Win a Grand Slam?
Published by Aaress Lawless on Jul 20, 2007 | Print |
One of the most common standards for weighing tennis greatness is a player’s success at the four Grand Slams. One Grand Slam win may be good enough to score a player a berth in the International Tennis Hall of Fame; two or more might even guarantee enough popularity and endorsements to set her up for life.
Unfortunately, only a maximum of four women each year get a chance at taking their place in tennis history, and for every champion, hundreds are left sitting out in the cold.
Today’s Open Forum Friday discussion is about the women who are still trying to achieve success at a Grand Slam - and those who have never even managed to win a singles title.
The first question today is from WilliamsFan:
Francesca is no longer the highest ranked player, but she certainly is the most famous. Eight tries and eight flops has done something to the amiable Italian’s head and this season, she has not even managed to string together three wins in succession.
But enough about Franny - the dubious distinction now barely belongs to Samantha Stosur, who is ranked just two spots ahead of Schiavone.
Unlike Schiavone, it is hard to classify Stosur as a big moment choker (when Fed Cup’s not concerned) because with three Grand Slam doubles titles to her credit and the number one ranking, she’s proven that she is more than capable of delivering on the big stage.
Now for everyone’s question:
Thanks everyone for participating! Have a great weekend!
Will.I.Am | Jul 20, 2007 | Reply
My pick would have to be Chanda Rubin. Her forehand and serve were AMAZING, and if it weren’t for injuries and lack of belief, I bet my life she would’ve walked away with a grandslam. I will always remember her match with Venus Williams at the US Open in the early 2000’s (maybe late 90’s). She played Venus so tough and was so close to the victory. It’s sad she could never get that big breakthrough.
mjgrace22 | Jul 20, 2007 | Reply
Elena Dementieva. She reached two grand slam finals in her career but she never took home the big prize. Even with her current state right now, I still think that she is the best woman never t have won a slam yet.
Nadia Petrova and Ana Ivanovic cmes to mind next. But I bet that we will see Ivanovic holding the big trophy anytime soon.
Diane | Jul 20, 2007 | Reply
My pick would have been Chanda Rubin, too, but I really consider her out of the tour now, so my next pick is Nadia Petrova. Petrova was considered the most talented of all the Russians, but she could not win a tournament for a long time.
She won her first one, in fact, in 2005, because her opponent, Patty Schnyder, sustained a wrist injury and had to play half the match with one hand (and still almost won) But the win gave Petrova confidence, and then she went on that clay court tear. The 2006 French Open practice injury seemed to do her in, though. But Petrova is very talented; she pretty much has everything except the head.
Felix | Jul 20, 2007 | Reply
My pick will be Nadia petrova,i love her game,but the big stage is become her new rival,but,would like to see her make it,one day soon,US Open is her best,beside of French open ( but the competition is harder there )
WilliamsFan | Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
First one to come to mind for me is Nicole Vaidisova. She’s only just turned 18. I think she’ll be the next player to win a slam who hasnt won one yet. Jankovic will be winning at least one at some point too but she’ll have to start curbing her schedule a little bit. I’m sure Petrova will be most people’s picks but I don’t think that will ever happen. Wouldnt even bet a dime on Petrova ever even getting to a slam final.
Aaress | Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Great picks everyone - I never even thought about Chanda Rubin on my list, but now that Will.I.Am and Diane mentioned it, I can definitely see her in the category.
My top list would probably include Petrova and Dementieva - especially as Dementieva has come heartbreakingly close.
Nick | Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Hmm I wouldnt pick Ana or Jelena, they’re still very young…
I would say Petrova and Dementieva, but most of all Ana Kournikova (beauty aside), she was one of the best when she came up, now she cant play at all.
John | Jul 24, 2007 | Reply
Dementieva is the only current player to make two slam finals and not win one. So statistically she seems to be the best to never win a slam.