2017 has been a far from straightforward season for the best players on the WTA tour. Four different women have triumphed at the grand slams and five has held the No.1 position at some stage.
Simona Halep has managed to top the year-end rankings without winning a major event. Emulating Caroline Wozniacki and Jelena Jankovic. In doing so, questions have been raised about if the rankings are a true reflection of the tour.
In a special podcast, Ubaldo Scanagatta and Steve Flink discuss the highs and lows of the 2017 for the women. Regarding the year-end rankings, they point out that similar scenarios have previously occurred on the men’s tour with Jimmy Connors being one example. Although some have questioned the legitimacy of the ranking system during the 1970s.
The two also discuss the anticipated return of Serena Williams. The 36-year-old hasn’t played since the Australian Open after giving birth to her first child in September. Williams is bidding to return to the tour in January to defend her title in Melbourne. Weighing up her chances of winning more grand slam titles next year, veteran reporter Flink believes she will excel at two particular major tournaments.
