The WTA off-season is underway, but players will have precious little time to rest before they have to gear up for next year. There will undoubtedly be plenty to look forward to with the dawn of next season, with new story lines and answers to some burning questions.

One familiar question that has arisen at the start of every new season for the last few years is whether or not Serena Williams – considered by many to be the greatest in the history of women's tennis – can finally capture that elusive twenty-fourth slam to tie Margaret Court atop the list for most major singles titles. The American has come close, finding herself within a match or two on multiple occasions only to ultimately fall short. But with each passing year, it increasingly looks like a bigger “if” as to whether or not she can accomplish that goal. Lack of opportunity due to Covid did not help her cause, and injuries are more frequently becoming a hurdle that is difficult to overcome. Couple that with growing competition that is hungrier and younger, and there is more and more that stands between Williams and history. One can never count out a legend as decorated as Williams, but it is apt to take something special from her if she is to achieve that feat in 2022. 

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As noted, Williams and other veterans in the field are facing a new crop of young and hungry competition. 

Surprise US Open Champion Emma Raducanu and equally stunning US Open Finalist Leylah Fernandez wowed the crowds in New York, as they sported all-around games to work their way through the competition and reach new heights. Spaniard Paula Badosa, champion this fall at Indian Wells, is quickly showing that she is a force to be reckoned with, while Aryna Sabalenka – who feels like she has been around forever – is also a young gun making inroads that could see her poised for greatness in 2022. They are each at different levels of experience as they look to find or further their respective footing on tour, but they along with some other promising young talents are starting to more regularly make the business-end of tournaments. 

If that trend continues in 2022, it could make life very difficult for the old guard.

While the generational battle is a familiar plotline heading into any season, the WTA will see a completely different wrinkle next year. Steve Simon, head of the WTA, announced earlier this week that the WTA would be suspending all play in China next season and potentially beyond if the health and safety of Peng Shuai cannot be confirmed to his satisfaction and that of other governing bodies. With the WTA presently having nearly a dozen tournaments in China, this is a bold move by the WTA. They have essentially put their money where their mouth is, as they stand to lose millions, if not up to a billion dollars with this move. They will be left looking to find other venues and sponsors to help fill those voids, and while the WTA Board and players have supported this move, it will prove a challenge to all as this situation continues to evolve in the weeks and months to come.

These are just a few of the burning questions surrounding women's tennis after it has closed one season and looks to shortly move on to the next. There will certainly be plenty to monitor and enjoy in what will hopefully be a 2022 season to remember.