As most of our top players have hung up their tennis trainers for the season I thought I would look at the prospects for our up and coming players for 2010.
It is probably fair to say that the six players listed below are the most talented crop of younger players we have had for a generation.
I feel a realistic target for all of these players is a top 300 ranking by the end of next year bar injuries.
In no particular order the players are Naomi Broady, Heather , Laura , Joss , Lisa and Tara.

Naomi : Next year with a full schedule and on the form of her recent win she should be looking at a top 200 ranking. No obvious weaknesses and generally a very consistent performer. To get a ranking above 200 she will need to believe in herself a bit more. This year against much higher ranked players she missed opportunities due probably to this lack of belief. Unlike Laura and Heather she cannot use her achievements at junior level to give her that belief at this time but will need to gain it over time.

Heather: I suspect that Heather will become a very consistent performer in years to come. She has no major weaknesses but will be undone by aggressive players who are on their A game. I also feel she hasn't matured completely yet evidenced by her wish to continue to want to play big junior events in her final junior year. So eventhough I expect her to get a top 100 senior ranking eventually next year I see solid but not spectacular progress up the rankings and expect her to be top 300 before making a major surge in 2011.

Laura: Her rankings rise next year will again be impeded by the number of tournaments she can play. Again don't expect a dramatic rise up the rankings because of this. Much will depend on wild card entries into grand slams and whether she can gain a few big ranking point wins in those. Not yet ready to make a huge step forward I see her as top 300 by the end of next year.

Joss: Much will depend on her injury status during 2010 but assuming she is 100% a top 300 ranking is achievable. For 2011 and beyond much will depend on whether she can improve her movement and especially her backhand.

Lisa: The surprise package of 2009 so in 2010 she will be out to prove that the backend of this year was no flash in the pan. First half of the year should be used to consolidate those gains thus giving her a platform to make a further surge in the second half of the year. Her form outdoors will be key as she has a major preference for playing indoors. Don't expect to see her on a claycourt but she certainly has a liking for grass. Top 300 by the end of next year is well within her capability.

Tara: An outside bet for top 300. A very talented player but also very inconsistent. I have no particular insight into her game other than she really loves the grass. Improvements will have to be made to her game but given that last year she was better than Heather she should now be ready to take that step forward.