The 2008 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour season was filled with surprises that shook up the status quo among the established order of top players.
Tell us what you consider the biggest surprise of 2008 in today’s edition of Open Forum Friday!
For me, the biggest shock of the year came the morning of May 14 when I heard that Justine Henin had scheduled an impromptu press conference. I assumed the news would be important as Justine was never one for a big show without a reason, but never dreamed that she would announce her permanent—and immediate—retirement from the sport.
Second on my list is Jelena Jankovic. Wow, what a year she had in 2008. Who could have predicted that she would end the season as the number one player in the world?
Third, the Williams sisters. I don’t know why they still surprise me, because after all, they are incredibly unpredictable. Both of them enjoyed wonderful seasons, with Venus picking up her fifth Wimbledon title, followed by Serena’s two-for-one Grand Slam and No. 1 special at Flushing Meadows.
But what about you? What surprised you the most during the year?
Thank you, everyone, for participating and have an excellent weekend!
I also think it was Justine Henin’s retirement. Even more so when you take into account it came just before her favorite Roland Garros.
Justine No1.
I still cant believe it. She is incredibly brave…
For V n S, I m just happy for them, I cant be surprised anymore, they are capaable of everything…
Jankovic, I am happy for her as well, got lots to be proud of.
Hands down, Henin’s retirement.
Justine’s retirement was a surprise, but–for me–not a big surprise. The biggest surprise for me was Safina’s finally getting her act together and whacking everybody amid incredible thrills and chills.
I am not too surprised by the surges from Safina or Pennetta.
Justine the biggest bombshell for me.
I think Justine’s retirement was the biggest surprise for sure, but the reason behind that retirement is still suspect in my mind. how convenient that she retires all of a sudden. perhaps she was unable to get her juice passed the new testing standards of the ITF. I still believe she was a doper. and very good at it. until probably now!
Justine’s retirement 11 days before the start of the French open. Lindsay Davenport still being called an active tour player at 32 what will surprise me even more is if we’re still calling Lindsay active tour player in 2009.
Age isn’t relevant to whether someone is active or not Vicki, is it? Look at Patti or Sugiyama, still playing top flight tennis in their thirties.
Justine’s retirement, hands down.
The women’s tour hasn’t recovered yet. Neither have I. It’s 85% less interesting without her.
Henin’s retirement.