The Unheralded Number 1 - Page 7© Michael Cecilio
Page 7
Jul 6, 1999
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: Mirjana LUCIC (CRO)
You wouldn't normally expect to see a 17 year old in the midst of a comeback on the WTA tour, save for a few like Jennifer Capriati and maybe even Martina Hingis. She was once hailed as the next big thing in women's tennis after winning the first professional tournament she entered, but ever since she has been embroiled in a family crisis, alleging that her father emotionally and physically abused her. In addition, she has suffered some serious injuries and has only played on the tour sporadically since the US Open last year. It's great to see her playing so well again, and playing the kind of tennis which befits her potential, having reached the semi finals by upsetting Monica Seles and Nathalie Tauziat. There is no doubt in my mind that Mirjana is a future Grand Slam champion.
UP-AND-COMING PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: Alexandra STEVENSON (USA)
Here is someone who could potentially win Wimbledon in the near future. Alexandra pummelled her way to the semi finals with a huge serve and some big groundstrokes. She is a determined young woman with a powerful game, and given the right direction, can really make some big strides on the WTA tour in the future. Unfortunately, her semi final appearance was overshadowed by a number of controversial issues which arose throughout the press, but in any case, I believe we have witnessed the arrival of a great new player. It could not happen to a more charismatic lady in Alexandra Stevenson! MATCH OF THE TOURNAMENT: QUARTER FINALS, 2-Steffi GRAF (GER) d. 6-Venus WILLIAMS (USA) 6-2 3-6 6-4
Earlier this year, I gave the Steffi/Venus encounter in Sydney the mention of "Match of the Fortnight". It seems that whenever these two step onto court against each other, they bring out the best in each other, and are determined to fight and win while playing to the best of their ability. It happened once again, this time in the Wimbledon quarter finals. There was some big hitting from both players and some terrific baseline rallies, but it was Steffi who had the heart at the end to finish off the close encounter. It's in matches like these that you feel bad about a player like Steffi in the process of ending her career, albeit on a good note. Unfortunately, the encounter was only marred by rain delays which took the girls off court three times in the match. It could only happen at Wimbledon....
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