Comments on: OFF: Who is the Best Player So Far of 2008? http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/ Women's Professional Tennis News, Results, and Commentary Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:08:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Gave http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25862 Gave Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:22:27 +0000 http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25862 You're welcome, pov! You’re welcome, pov!

]]> By: pov http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25849 pov Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:25:40 +0000 http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25849 Gave, Thanks for those H2H stats. Gave,
Thanks for those H2H stats.

]]> By: vlado http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25831 vlado Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:04:21 +0000 http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25831 Until Wimbly Ana was the best player no doubt about that. Even at this moment I consider her the best so far this year. But I don't believe she will hold the No1 spot for much longer. Don't think she can handle the pressure and expectations that brings this spot, and experience players like Serena will take full advantage off that. Until Wimbly Ana was the best player no doubt about that. Even at this moment I consider her the best so far this year. But I don’t believe she will hold the No1 spot for much longer. Don’t think she can handle the pressure and expectations that brings this spot, and experience players like Serena will take full advantage off that.

]]> By: C Note http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25814 C Note Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:15:19 +0000 http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25814 Hey Pov, I appreciated too the fact this discussion didn't dissolve into a "you're wrong, i'm right, shut up, etc." discourse a la WTAworld. I think that both AI and JJ benefited the most from Henin's retirement, though AI has done better at taking advantage of it. But as a big AI fan, I'm really sad that she won't be able to play Henin again (unless Justine realizes she was an idiot and comes back). She did take a set off her in Sydney, and with her improved movement and better understanding of how to use her power (instead of just bashing it wherever) it would have been interesting. Then again, I don't think AI has reached the peak of her game yet. She's got two or three more years to go. Hey Pov,

I appreciated too the fact this discussion didn’t dissolve into a “you’re wrong, i’m right, shut up, etc.” discourse a la WTAworld.

I think that both AI and JJ benefited the most from Henin’s retirement, though AI has done better at taking advantage of it. But as a big AI fan, I’m really sad that she won’t be able to play Henin again (unless Justine realizes she was an idiot and comes back). She did take a set off her in Sydney, and with her improved movement and better understanding of how to use her power (instead of just bashing it wherever) it would have been interesting. Then again, I don’t think AI has reached the peak of her game yet. She’s got two or three more years to go.

]]> By: Gave http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25799 Gave Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:44:04 +0000 http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25799 Hey guys, I had a look at the YTD performance of the three 'nominees' against other players who I think are heavyweights. I also added other interesting stats. You might wanna assess using the presented info. __________ SERENA WILLIAMS Won against: Venus Williams, 6-3 3-6 7-6 (Bangalore SF) Justine Henin, 6-2, 6-0 (Miami QF) Svetlana Kuznetsova, 3-6 7-5 6-3 (Miami SF) Jelena Jankovic, 6-1 5-7 6-3 (Miami F) Maria Sharapova, 7-5 4-6 6-1 (Charleston QF) Amelie Mauresmo, 7-6 6-1 (Wimbledon 3rd Round) Lost to: Jelena Jankovic, 3-6 4-6 (Aussie Open QF) Venus Williams, 5-7 4-6 (Wimbledon F) Titles: 3 ~ Tier I (2), Tier II (1) Other notable performance: Wimbledon RUP Longest winning streak: 17 matches Win/Loss record: 31-4 Tournament record: Won 3 out of 8 __________ MARIA SHARAPOVA Won against: Lindsay Davenport, 6-1 6-3 (Aussie Open 2nd Round) Elena Dementieva, 6-2 6-0 (Aussie Open 4th Round) Justine Henin, 6-4 6-0 (Aussie Open QF) Jelena Jankovic, 6-3 6-1 (Aussie Open SF) Ana Ivanovic, 7-5 6-3 (Aussie Open F) Lost to: Svetlana Kuznetsova, 3-6 7-5 2-6 (Indian Wells SF) Serena Williams, 5-7 6-4 1-6 (Charleston QF) Titles: 3 ~ Grand Slam (1), Tier I (1), Tier II (1) Longest winning streak: 18 matches Win/Loss record: 31-4 Tournament record: Won 3 out of 8 __________ ANA IVANOVIC Won against: Venus Williams, 7-6 6-4 (Aussie Open QF) Jelena Jankovic, 7-6 6-3 (Indian Wells SF) Jelena Jankovic, 6-4 3-6 6-4 (French Open SF) Svetlana Kuznetsova, 6-4 6-3 (Indian Wells F) Lost to: Justine Henin, 2-6, 6-2 4-6 (Sydney SF) Maria Sharapova, 5-7 3-6 (Aussie Open F) Elena Dementieva, 7-5 3-6 3-6 (Dubai QF) Lindsay Davenport, 4-6 2-6 (Miami 3rd Round) Elena Dementieva, 2-6 5-7 (Berlin SF) Titles: 2 ~ Grand Slam (1), Tier I (1) Other notable performance: Aussie Open RUP Longest winning streak: 9 matches Losing streak: 2 matches Win/Loss record: 29-7 Tournament record: Won 2 out of 10 __________ Web sources: Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Yahoo! Sports Tennis Week __________ In my opinion, similar to what pov said, Maria took the first few months then Serena for the next few months. Now, it's up to you people to decide... Hey guys, I had a look at the YTD performance of the three ‘nominees’ against other players who I think are heavyweights. I also added other interesting stats. You might wanna assess using the presented info.
__________

SERENA WILLIAMS

Won against:
Venus Williams, 6-3 3-6 7-6 (Bangalore SF)
Justine Henin, 6-2, 6-0 (Miami QF)
Svetlana Kuznetsova, 3-6 7-5 6-3 (Miami SF)
Jelena Jankovic, 6-1 5-7 6-3 (Miami F)
Maria Sharapova, 7-5 4-6 6-1 (Charleston QF)
Amelie Mauresmo, 7-6 6-1 (Wimbledon 3rd Round)

Lost to:
Jelena Jankovic, 3-6 4-6 (Aussie Open QF)
Venus Williams, 5-7 4-6 (Wimbledon F)

Titles: 3 ~ Tier I (2), Tier II (1)
Other notable performance: Wimbledon RUP
Longest winning streak: 17 matches
Win/Loss record: 31-4
Tournament record: Won 3 out of 8
__________

MARIA SHARAPOVA

Won against:
Lindsay Davenport, 6-1 6-3 (Aussie Open 2nd Round)
Elena Dementieva, 6-2 6-0 (Aussie Open 4th Round)
Justine Henin, 6-4 6-0 (Aussie Open QF)
Jelena Jankovic, 6-3 6-1 (Aussie Open SF)
Ana Ivanovic, 7-5 6-3 (Aussie Open F)

Lost to:
Svetlana Kuznetsova, 3-6 7-5 2-6 (Indian Wells SF)
Serena Williams, 5-7 6-4 1-6 (Charleston QF)

Titles: 3 ~ Grand Slam (1), Tier I (1), Tier II (1)
Longest winning streak: 18 matches
Win/Loss record: 31-4
Tournament record: Won 3 out of 8
__________

ANA IVANOVIC

Won against:
Venus Williams, 7-6 6-4 (Aussie Open QF)
Jelena Jankovic, 7-6 6-3 (Indian Wells SF)
Jelena Jankovic, 6-4 3-6 6-4 (French Open SF)
Svetlana Kuznetsova, 6-4 6-3 (Indian Wells F)

Lost to:
Justine Henin, 2-6, 6-2 4-6 (Sydney SF)
Maria Sharapova, 5-7 3-6 (Aussie Open F)
Elena Dementieva, 7-5 3-6 3-6 (Dubai QF)
Lindsay Davenport, 4-6 2-6 (Miami 3rd Round)
Elena Dementieva, 2-6 5-7 (Berlin SF)

Titles: 2 ~ Grand Slam (1), Tier I (1)
Other notable performance: Aussie Open RUP
Longest winning streak: 9 matches
Losing streak: 2 matches
Win/Loss record: 29-7
Tournament record: Won 2 out of 10
__________

Web sources:
Sony Ericsson WTA Tour
Yahoo! Sports
Tennis Week
__________

In my opinion, similar to what pov said, Maria took the first few months then Serena for the next few months.
Now, it’s up to you people to decide…

]]> By: pov http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25787 pov Tue, 15 Jul 2008 02:24:18 +0000 http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25787 C Note, Although we have different conclusions I like the way you approached the topic and the stats. You made it for me, and hopefully others, a good discussion. The only other thing I'll say is that it seems like Ivanovic, more than any other player, certainly benefited by Henin's retirement. Henin vs Ivanovic (4-0 including this year) C Note,
Although we have different conclusions I like the way you approached the topic and the stats. You made it for me, and hopefully others, a good discussion. The only other thing I’ll say is that it seems like Ivanovic, more than any other player, certainly benefited by Henin’s retirement. Henin vs Ivanovic (4-0 including this year)

]]> By: kendy http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25776 kendy Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:01:30 +0000 http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25776 i hav no idea on all these statistics and everything but when i hear best player so far, i immediately think of ivanovic. i didnbt think about statistics ivanovic jst jumped out if you know wat i mean i hav no idea on all these statistics and everything but when i hear best player so far, i immediately think of ivanovic. i didnbt think about statistics ivanovic jst jumped out if you know wat i mean

]]> By: C Note http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25774 C Note Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:23:37 +0000 http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25774 I see what you're saying Pov. My stance is that GS performance isn't determinative but it should be weighed heavier than other factors. No, points shouldn't only be awarded for GS but they should weigh heavier (which they are). Venus has performed slightly better than Serena in Slams, but her performance in non-Slams can't even compare to Serena's, so you have to give the nod to Serena. My point was simply that if you compare Maria, AI, and Serena, I think it comes down to AI and Serena. Maria has had such a drop off in quality since the first quarter. And between AI and Serena, I think you have to give it to AI because of her Slam performance. Outside of the Slams I think Serena gets the nod. AI won Indian Wells but it was a weak field (no Williamses and no Henin). And of course Serena also has Bangalore (Tier II but still a win over her sister) and Charleston (beating Maria on the way). Don't get me wrong, I think its a really close call. But I just don't think you can argue against someone who has been the most consistent at the Grand Slams. If Serena had won Wimbledon, I think she would have been the undisputed #1. I see what you’re saying Pov. My stance is that GS performance isn’t determinative but it should be weighed heavier than other factors. No, points shouldn’t only be awarded for GS but they should weigh heavier (which they are).

Venus has performed slightly better than Serena in Slams, but her performance in non-Slams can’t even compare to Serena’s, so you have to give the nod to Serena.

My point was simply that if you compare Maria, AI, and Serena, I think it comes down to AI and Serena. Maria has had such a drop off in quality since the first quarter. And between AI and Serena, I think you have to give it to AI because of her Slam performance.

Outside of the Slams I think Serena gets the nod. AI won Indian Wells but it was a weak field (no Williamses and no Henin). And of course Serena also has Bangalore (Tier II but still a win over her sister) and Charleston (beating Maria on the way).

Don’t get me wrong, I think its a really close call. But I just don’t think you can argue against someone who has been the most consistent at the Grand Slams. If Serena had won Wimbledon, I think she would have been the undisputed #1.

]]> By: Cristina Carlos http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25773 Cristina Carlos Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:21:02 +0000 http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25773 I don't believe GS should be the sole determinant, but it is a HUGE part of who could be considered the best. Every player's dream is to win grand slams and be number 1 - they go hand in hand. To answer your pov's question, since Venus won her 5th Wimbledon title, yes, that makes her a better player overall this year over Serena. I don’t believe GS should be the sole determinant, but it is a HUGE part of who could be considered the best. Every player’s dream is to win grand slams and be number 1 - they go hand in hand. To answer your pov’s question, since Venus won her 5th Wimbledon title, yes, that makes her a better player overall this year over Serena.

]]> By: pov http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25771 pov Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:43:12 +0000 http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/07/11/off-who-is-the-best-player-so-far-of-2008/#comment-25771 Good discussion here. To those who go with GS as the sole determinant - how do you see t that consistency = GS? And, would you support ranking points being given only at GS? And, does that mean you think that Venus Williams (QF, 3R, W) has played better overall throughout the year so far than Serena Williams(QF, 3R, F)? Good discussion here. To those who go with GS as the sole determinant - how do you see t that consistency = GS? And, would you support ranking points being given only at GS? And, does that mean you think that Venus Williams (QF, 3R, W) has played better overall throughout the year so far than Serena Williams(QF, 3R, F)?

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