Caroline Garcia
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Ended 2017: With the best results of her career, winning back-to-back titles in Wuhan and Beijing, and advancing to the semifinals at the WTA Finals.
Starting 2018: Retired in tears during her first match of the year in Brisbane due to a lower back injury.
Coaching Changes: None.
Prospects: Dealing with an injury, it will be difficult for Garcia to continue her success from the end of 2017.
Johanna Konta
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Ended 2017: On a five-match losing streak, and pulled out of her last tournament due to injury.
Starting 2018: In Brisbane, where she already ended her losing streak with an impressive victory over Madison Keys.
Coaching Changes: Split with coach Wim Fissette and assistant coach Andrew Fitzpatrick, and is now working with Michael Joyce, former coach of Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka.
Prospects: With Michael Joyce in her coaching box, look for a refreshed Konta to put her dismal end to 2017 behind her and continue to be a threat at majors in 2018.
CoCo Vandeweghe
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Ended 2017: By leading the USA to their first Fed Cup title in 17 years, and entering the top 10 for the first time.
Starting 2018: Teaming with Jack Sock at the Hopman Cup, where she’s already gone 2-0 in singles competition.
Coaching Changes: None.
Prospects: It would be easy to expect a sophomore slump from Vandeweghe after a breakout year in 2017, but I don’t see the cocky American succumbing to that. I expect CoCo to continue her success at the majors this year.
Sloane Stephens
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Ended 2017: After winning her first major at the US Open, Sloane lost her next six matches.
Starting 2018: Withdrew from Brisbane due to a knee injury, but as of now is still scheduled for Sydney next week as well as the Australian Open.
Coaching Changes: Andrew Fitzpatrick has re-joined her team after leaving Johanna Konta’s team. Kamau Murray remains as head coach.
Prospects: Having not won a match since her shocking and life-changing US Open victory, and currently dealing with a knee injury, Stephens is showing no signs of getting back on track anytime soon.
