Nearly five years after being forced to put her career on hold because of a lingering foot injury, former world number one Monica Seles is almost ready to return to the professional tennis circuit.
Seles, who is one of the greatest champions of this century, has said that although she cannot ever play a full schedule again, she is considering competing as early as March’s Sony Ericsson Open.
The Tier I tournament in Key Biscayne is a mandatory Sony Ericsson WTA Tour event and traditionally boasts a Grand Slam worthy field of top players. Seles last competed at the event in 2002, where she lost to another player currently hoping to make her own comeback, Jennifer Capriati, in the semifinals.
According to Bill Dwyre at the Los Angeles Times, Seles is contemplating a shorter schedule of the majors, with a few warm-up events before the Grand Slams.
“I certainly would not ever be able to do a full schedule again, because of the foot,” said Seles, “but I’m thinking about the Slams and about some of the better tournaments that lead into them.
Monica’s last full season on the WTA Tour was in 2002, when she finished in the top ten for the thirteenth time of her career. Her record of three straight Roland Garros titles was tied by Justine Henin in 2007, but should she return to the Tour in 2008, she will be the most successful active player in the world with nine Grand Slam titles to her credit.
Seles has not officially confirmed that she will be returning, but her willingness to set a target date of March is the best news fans have heard in years from the Yugoslavian born, nationalized American.
“I won’t decide for sure until the beginning of the year, and the Australian is certainly not possible,” added Seles. “But Miami – maybe.”
The 2008 Sony Ericsson Open will be held from March 26 – April 8 at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Miami, Florida.
That would be great! I hope Seles makes a nice little run of it. I’ve never seen her as an active player, so it’d be interesting to see how she competes with today’s elite.
nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Louise,yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees,why not seles was a true champion and would definetely be welcomed for a comeback all over the world.
[...] Off the Tour: Four years (left foot injury) 2008 Plans: Seles has confirmed that she intends to play a partial season in 2008, with particular emphasis on the larger Tier I [...]