charliecstl
Jan 5 2003, 09:39 AM
The kickoff to the new year on the circuit is bringing several interesting changes with it.
1) I believe that beautiful Mike Self is no longer working with Ms. Monica. I am sad.
2) Ms. Davenport has a new coach. She is working with Rick Leach (her soon-to-be brother-in-law). I was shocked that she left Robert Van't Hof. They worked really well together.
3) The team of Stubbs/Raymond is starting off the year elsewhere. Lisa is playing with Lindsay (they played a tournament together last fall and won), which is a great matchup for her. Renee is playing with her saphic sister Conchita Martinez. Perhaps not an upgrade for her.
4) Martina N is actually playing with Alexandra Stevenson this week. Interesting matchup -- could be a good learning experience for AS.
5) The Williams sisters are skipping Sydney this year. Usually one or the other shows up. With Serena playing in Perth last week, I would have expected Venus to be here.
Hard to believe the Australian Open starts in one week. Yikes!!!
bryan d.
Jan 5 2003, 12:15 PM
Both LD's and Monica's change of coaches is surprising but perhaps the grind of the tour is simply too much. Mike Sell and Monica really seemed to click; I hope she's made changes that keep her as motivated and hungry since it appears she's gotten to a place where she can see the finish line of her career. I think she'll go at it very hard until then.
LD's another matter. She proved that she belonged in the top five after her long injury layoff but couldn't win a tournament. She's engaged and by all reports seems pretty damn happy. Does she have the motivation to fight it out for the top three still? I have my doubts...I think she'll be top five for another year or so and pretty much say bye-bye! Like Monica though, she'd love another grand slam title.
shore
Jan 5 2003, 12:47 PM
Lindsay is definately due another slam, and I think it's this year's Aussie. the draw will play an important role, but if it's good, she's one of four or five who could win it.
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