MOST INSPIRING
Serena Williams’ Comeback + Sam Stosur’s Breakthrough
When Serena Williams, 29, was hospitalized due to a pulmonary embolism early in the year, it appeared that her career – and life – could be in serious danger. Although she missed the first two Slams of the year, the American recovered to enter Wimbledon. After winning her first Grand Slam match of 2011 against Aravane Rezai, Williams burst into tears. She would eve ntually fall to Marion Bartoli in the round of 16, but despite the loss, she said she was proud to have returned to competition.
Williams was the heavy favorite going into the final Grand Slam of the year, yet another inspiring story took shape in New York. Enter Sam Stosur. Facing seemingly impossible odds against a fully recovered Williams in the final, a determined Stosur produced the most decisive tennis of her career. The unpretentious Aussie had fallen short in a Grand Slam final before, but this time she prevailed 6-2, 6-3. “I think I was able to draw on a lot of that experience from the French Open. You know, I had to believe I had a chance to win,” said Stosur. Much like Francesca Schiavone’s triumph at the French Open in 2010, Stosur’s title run in New York was a testament to tenacity and self-belief. At 27, Stosur has plenty of time for future Slam success.
BEST MATCH: MEN’S
Roger Federer Stuns Novak Djokovic In Paris 7-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6
Some great matches are predicated on athleticism and some suspense; others on pure rivalry. Roger Federer’s stunning upset of Novak Djokovic in the 2011 French Open semifinals had all that and much more.
Djokovic and Federer provided enough electricity to power all of Paris as the decidedly pro-Federer Chatrier crowd cheered its way to euphoria when the Swiss maestro pulled ahead of Djokovic two sets to love. While Federer painted the lines and scorched winners with regularity, Djokovic appeared perplexed.
Valiantly clinging to his 43-match winning streak, Djokovic won the third set then served for the fourth. Federer, however, would have too much magic on this day. He closed the match in four, and the crowd went wild.
All the elements – Djokovic’s streak, Federer’s greatness, the Chatrier ambience and gorgeous clay-court tennis – combined to make this a match for the ages. It was the match of the French Open and the match of the year.
HONORABLE MENTION: Novak Djokovic Defeats Rafael Nadal in N.Y. 6-2, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1
Rafael Nadal gave every ounce of effort he could muster in the US Open final, but for the sixth consecutive time in 2011, Novak Djokovic was simply too fabulous. Still, this battle had moments where the two archrivals struggled mightily to seize control of the match. All the while, the tennis was breathtakingly physical, played at an almost superhuman level.
Even as a jubilant Djokovic celebrated becoming just the sixth player in Open Era history to win three Grand Slams in one season, we could sense that this match was only the beginning of what promises to be a compelling rivalry in men’s tennis for years to come.
“Six straight losses, for sure that’s painful,” said Nadal. “But I’m going to work every day until that changes.”
BEST YEAR
Novak Djokovic
In describing men’s tennis in 2011, only one word is necessary: Nole.
Certainly, there were many magical moments by stupendous players, but nobody was more dynamic, more dominating or more athletic than the Gumby-like Serb.
Djokovic started the season with the second-longest winning streak to begin a campaign in ATP history. Although his streak was terminated at the hands of Roger Federer, few would disagree that Djokovic enjoyed the best year in tennis. “What he’s done is so much harder than what I did,” said John McEnroe of Djokovic’s streak, which fell one match short of matching McEnroe’s record. “He won a major.There’s so much more depth in the game, he’s doing it on different surfaces, and a lot of the top players play more of the same events so that makes it more difficult,” he added.
After Djokovic’s hiccup at the French Open, he picked up the pieces and transitioned with ease onto the Wimbledon grass. In addition to beating Rafael Nadal in the final, Djokovic earned the world No. 1 ranking. Then, in the follow- ing Slam, Djokovic defeated Nadal for the sixth consecutive time in an exhausting US Open final that solidified Djokovic’s place at the pinnacle of tennis. Nadal praised Djokovic for his accomplishments and admits that the Serb is the best on the tour.
Not only was nobody better than Djokovic in 2011, nobody even came close.
HONORABLE MENTION: Maria Sharapova
The ever-intense Maria Sharapova couldn’t capture the elusive fourth Grand Slam title in 2011, but her season was not without high points. She had her best French Open performance to date, advanced to the Wimbledon final and reached the top five [No. 2] for the first time since her shoulder surgery three years ago. The Russian is working to improve her serve in the immediate season. An honorable mention in 2011, Sharapova has the making for ultimate greatness.
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