Julia’s Turn to Shine in 2012

The rigors of the modern game have made it extremely difficult for a single tennis player to dominate. Even the 2011 WTA Tour MVP, Petra Kvitova is not expected to achieve the same level of success next year. Julia Goerges is one of a handful of players who can step up to the challenge and achieve career milestones in 2012.

Her victory over world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki in the final of the WTA Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart made Julia Goerges’ title run a tad sweeter. She propelled to a career-high ranking of No. 18 after reaching the Madrid semifinal, and a cult following ensued.

A back injury played a huge part in preventing Goerges from fulfilling expectations stemming from her inspired, but brief display of brilliance in 2011. The opportunity to prove herself has not been lost, though. The coming year may give the German enough time to grow her game. Goerges has the weapons — a big serve and a deadly forehand to take on the big names in the sport. She also has the ability to be consistent long enough to matter.

Victoria Azarenka or even Agnieszka Radwanska seem to be more on the verge of Grand Slam glory in the coming year, but with odds falling into place, Goerges may just be in a position to duplicate Li Na’s incredible win at the French Open, or Stosur’s surprise victory at the U.S. Open. She might have her best shot in Paris. However, Goerges needs an open draw and a dash of luck to reach her potential. But, when the opportunity presents itself, she is more likely to deliver than not.

Goerges’ recent success comes on the heels of the burgeoning revival of German tennis. Andrea Petkovic is ranked at No. 10 in the world, and Sabine Lisicki is ranked at No. 15, and reached the semifinal at Wimbledon. After ending the year at No. 21, Goerges is trailing both of her compatriots, but chances are, she may not stay that way for long.

JC Valencia writes about tennis in his blog Destination: Doha, and regularly contributes to On The Baseline Tennis News.