I really wanted to see her play in the championships because I really believe she could’ve made the final to play either Henin or Serena. Out of the 2,4,6, & 7 category there would have been no real competition for her. We’ve all seen how she can dismantle Anna Chakvetadze and Ana Ivanovic. Jelena would’ve been a tough openent for her but Venus showed the world that she can still put up a fight against her at the US Open and win.

Venus and Jelena would’ve come out of that bracket along with Serena and Justine out of the other. I ultimately belived Venus would’ve taken the title but hopefully she comes into 2008 refreshed and outstanding to win some slams and get back into the Top 4 in the world.

The other four I believe are way too overrated and can not compete with the four of them.

Don’t get me wrong they’re great tennis players but Kuznetsova, Ana Ivanovic, Anna Chakvetadze and especially Daniela Hantuchova are going to be no where near legend status by any means.

BUT . . .

What matters more – winning percentages or winning titles? Remember, Sharapova only has 1 Tier (Acura Classic) to Hantuchova’s major Tier I (Pacific Life Open) and new Tier II titles.

I just hope Serena Williams turns up in Madrid healthy and with her competitive fires burning. If not, it will be a no-contest as Henin will waltz her way to the title.

Unless Jelena Jankovic miraculously turns up at 100% energy and Sharapova’s shoulder is healed, Serena is the only woman capable of giving Justine Henin a tough run for the title.

With that said, Venus withdrawing ***** big time. I hope Sharapova wins this one to revive some interest in the seriously lagging state of women’s tennis. Like Chris mentioned, all the top women are comnpletely bummed out. Everything past Wimbledon this year has been pretty mediocre, from my viewpoints, though Golovin has been interesting to watch.

In other words, Venus Williams’ withdrawal was Maria Sharapova’s ticket into Madrid.

It’s the Championship and beside from Henin, the rest looks like they need to win this thing badly to build confidence into 2008. Regarless of the result, Henin already played the best season of her career and ended No. 1 so I don’t think she’ll be too sad if she fails to win here. Then again, she’s defending it so who knows. Henin wants to win every tournament she plays.

- Jankovic has lost three matches in a row, and would have lost to Petrova instead of Justine in Stuttgart had Petrova not gotten injured, plus she’s tired.
- Kuznetsova retired in Zurich, so she’s probably not too healthy, especially after how terrible she played against Serena in Moscow.
- Ivanovic has won one match since winning Luxembourg and lost to K. Bondarenko and Golovin pretty badly in a row.
- Sharapova’s coming to the YEC with a bum shoulder and two bad losses in a row with zero match fitness.
- Chakvetadze has only beaten two players in her last six matches since her meltdown in the USO semifinal. She’s said herself she doesn’t know what’s up with her game after getting blown off the court by Schnyder.
- Serena’s won two games in the last four sets she’s played. She’s out of form and not playing well at all.

Of course, any and maybe each could come into the YEC and play great tennis, but only two players out of the eight come here NOT injured or slumping, confident, match fit, and refreshed.

I hope Hantuchova, a big favorite of mine, can make the semifinals or even finals to cap off a wonderful year.