Such a shame, Kim is one of my fav players. Hopefully she'll reconsider. She, Henin-Hardenne, Mauresmo and Hingis provide contrast to the growing Russian monopolisation of women's tennis.
Does anyone think Kim will add to her solitary slam title next year ? I was so pleased when she won the USO in 2006, it would have been so harsh if that 2001 French Open final against Capriati had been the closest she got to a slam.
I think she may take a slam next year, it could be on any surface, but only if she doesn't have to face Henin.
Prior to her first slam, she was always fully focused to achieve that goal of winning one. Now that she going to retire next year, she probably will enjoy tennis more and feel no pressure, like this year really! if she was to win another slam, i think it will be AO. French is Justine's pride. Wimby, Kim needs an all round game, still to improve her net play (pity she hasnt played in many doubles this year) and US Open will be won by a big hitter. Kim is one, but problem is her schedule, is she going to play in 4 tournies prior to the USO, or is she going to risk further injury?
It's a real shame that she's planning to retire, she is one of my fav players. but she has suffered more than her fair share of injuries and has to look after herself I guess. I hope she manages to win another slam next year, maybe all four??
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VSandhi20 wrote: Prior to her first slam, she was always fully focused to achieve that goal of winning one. Now that she going to retire next year, she probably will enjoy tennis more and feel no pressure, like this year really! if she was to win another slam, i think it will be AO. French is Justine's pride. Wimby, Kim needs an all round game, still to improve her net play (pity she hasnt played in many doubles this year) and US Open will be won by a big hitter. Kim is one, but problem is her schedule, is she going to play in 4 tournies prior to the USO, or is she going to risk further injury?
I agree, in the slams this year she definatly has looked a lot more relaxed until she's come up against Henin-Hardenne in the semis With hindsight, the Aussie Open was her best chance of a slam title this year. Her semi against Mauresmo would have been very interesting if Kim hadn't sustained that injury in the 3rd, given Mauresmo's legendary choking skills, Kim would surely have been the favourite and then she would have faced an ill Henin-Hardenne in the final.
I agree, AO is her best chance next year. It's not as fast as the US Open, so it doesn't suit Sharapova as much. Kim and Justine's extra variety and better defensive abilities give them the edge over Sharapova down under. Mauresmo will always be a threat but can she sustain her consistent aggression from the baseline right through a close match at the crunch end of the tournament. Last year, the two retirements got her out of jail and she won't be able to attack the net as much as she did in ther latter stages of Wimbledon. I think Hingis will be the dark horse for the title.
US Open is a possiblity for Kim, she needs to play far fewer events on the cement as you say. She usually plays more than anyone and those courts are so wearing on the body. I reckon she should play max 3 warm-up tourneys.
If Kim does retire at the end of 2007, hopefully after a couple of years away from tennis she'll rediscover her hunger for the game and make a Hingis-style comeback. She's still young enough to do so
if she was to win another slam, i think it will be AO. French is Justine's pride. Wimby, Kim needs an all round game, still to improve her net play (pity she hasnt played in many doubles this year) and US Open will be won by a big hitter. Kim is one, but problem is her schedule, is she going to play in 4 tournies prior to the USO, or is she going to risk further injury?
