Ranking the Top 25 Women After Wimbledon
10. Belinda Bencic (WTA Ranking: 21)
Mar 25, 2015; Key Biscayne, FL, USA; Belinda Bencic hits a backhand against Daniela Hantuchova (not pictured) on day two of the Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center. Bencic won 6-1, 7-6 (5). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The modern day Martina Hingis finds herself in the top ten after a sensational month on grass, including a second week showing at Wimbledon, a finals showing in s’Hertogenbosch and her first WTA title in Eastbourne. The 18 year old concluded her grass court season with more wins on the surface than any other woman, which should give her an abundance of confidence heading into the US Open.
9. Simona Halep (WTA Ranking: 3)
Apr 2, 2015; Key Biscayne, FL, USA; Simona Halep hits a forehand against Serena Williams (not pictured) in a women
Oh, Simona. When she won Indian Wells in March and pushed Serena in Miami, it appeared that the Romanian was on her way to a career year in which she would potentially claim her first grand slam title. Since then, she’s been decidedly average, culminating in a first round loss to Jana Cepelova at Wimbledon. The pressure of being a top five player seems to be causing havoc for Halep’s game. Once she learns how to deal with pressure (and not just ignore it) she’ll find her way back to the top of the game. Hopefully her extended holiday will help her once she returns in Cincinnati.
8. Petra Kvitova (WTA Ranking: 5)
Jul 4, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Petra Kvitova (CZE) in action during her match against Jelena Jankovic (SRB) on day six of The Championships Wimbledon at the AELTC. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
Up a set and a break against Jelena Jankovic, the WTA’s most enigmatic (and frustrating) star faced a fightback from the Serb. And she crumbled. Her third round showing was her worst since 2009. It’s unlikely that her performance suggests a slump. Instead it’s likely just another dip on the roller coaster ride that is Petra Kvitova’s career.
7. Angelique Kerber (WTA Ranking: 13)
Mar 13, 2015; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Angelique Kerber (GER) in her match against Sloane Stephens (USA) during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Kerber was simply scintillating in the first two rounds of Wimbledon, delivering performances that should have taken her to the championship match. Instead she lost the best match of the first week to eventual finalist Garbine Muguruza. It was the second unlucky draw for the German, having lost to Muguruza in Paris two months ago. Having said that, the German is playing phenomenal tennis. If she doesn’t meet the Spaniard in New York, she’s a potential candidate for the title.
6. Timea Bacsinszky (WTA Ranking: 14)
Jun4, 2015; Paris, France; Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) in action during her match against Serena Williams (USA) on day 12 of the 2015 French Open at Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
It’s now basically an inevitability that Bacsinszky will find her way into the top ten by the year’s end. The game’s most heartwarming story has been playing world-beating tennis this year, and now has a quarterfinal berth at Wimbledon to show for it. She would have placed higher had she taken out Garbine Muguruza in a quarterfinal match that was decided by just a few points. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to see the Swiss not causing waves in New York and Singapore later in the year.
Next: Number 5