Five years ago, a player who had shown flashes of promise but who remained largely an underachiever went on a six-month tear that would reap Olympic bronze, four titles, a quarterfinal finish at the 2005 Australian Open and a Top 10 ranking.
Just a few months after cracking this elite ranking class in early 2005, she suffered a debilitating inner-ear infection which forced her to take an extended break from the game. Upon returning to tennis, she was never the same, and she eventually retired in 2008 following persistent elbow and leg injuries and a loss of form.
That player was Alicia Molik. However, after announcing in July 2009 another return to tennis, it may well be a happier comeback this time around. Reportedly fit and healthy, Molik has posted impressive results on the ITF circuit and will enter 2010 full of confidence and ready to reclaim her place among the sport’s top group.
Molik took the first steps in her comeback on North American hardcourts, playing doubles with Meghann Shaughnessy at New Haven and the US Open. It looked as though the path back to the top was going to be a rocky one, with the duo bombing out in the first round at both tournaments without winning a set.
But she experienced immediate singles success when she returned home to Australia, entering into an ITF event in Darwin and going on to win the tournament. It was the first of several wins for Molik – she triumphed at two of her next six events, made the final of three others, and compiled a 30-4 win-loss record over the course of her Australian ITF circuit swing. Having been unranked, she hit World No. 197 on 14 December, a speedy rise up the rankings after just three months of play.
Molik entered the Australian Open wildcard playoff riding a wave of confidence, intent on winning her way into the main draw of the 2010 Australian Open. After three wins in round robin play, she fell in the quarterfinals to Jessica Moore. Despite the setback, Molik was reported as saying that she couldn’t play great every day and that she was extremely pleased with the progress of her comeback. Shortly thereafter, Tennis Australia awarded her with one of its discretionary wildcards into the main draw of the Australian Open.
So why is Alicia Molik a player to watch in 2010? In addition to her recent successes, there are many factors that stand in her favour. Molik is a proven performer at the top level of the sport, using her exceptional serve and a heavy forehand to dictate points. She knows what it takes to excel in tennis, and should have the belief that she can do so again.
Her game differs from the factory-produced baseline-bashing style that permeates the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, and her lengthy absence will mean that her opponents are facing an unfamiliar foe with a tricky game to combat. Molik’s mentality is also an asset. An intelligent player, she utilises her strengths, works diligently to improve her weaknesses and stays calm and focused under pressure. Recently engaged, Molik is happy in her personal life and thrilled to be back on court competing.
Adored by the Australian public, popular among her fellow competitors and a great ambassador for the sport, it would make for a wonderful story if Molik was able to recapture her form of 2004-2005 and once again legitimately contend for the game’s biggest prizes. With the Australian summer circuit traditionally where she performs best, watch for Molik to create an early impact in 2010.
Matt Trollope is a journalist from Melbourne, Australia. He has covered the past two Australian Opens for the tournament’s official website.
