Tearing herself to Pierces - Page 2

Had Mary come into the forefront sooner than she did, she may have been able to compete with Steffi and Monica for those Grand Slam titles, and would have definitely given them a run for their money. Mary's groundstrokes were perhaps the most powerful that had ever been seen on the women's tour and in fact, used them to great effect in the 1994 French Open semi finals when she bludgeoned Steffi in a disastrous 6-2 6-2 effort. We wonder what potential there might have been for Mary if she had been able to play her best tennis during the time when there were not as many hard-hitters on the tour, when her weapons would have been even far more effective than they are today. While we wonder what may have been as we look at the enormous potential she had early on in her career, the fact that she was mentally and emotionally beat in her formative years is indeed a valid excuse as to why she could not fulfill her potential until she severed ties with her father. Of course, it was only after she severed the coaching relationship with her father (and to some extent, even the parental relationship) when she came into the forefront of tennis by reaching her first Grand Slam final at the 1994 French Open, and of course winning her first Grand Slam title seven months later at the 1995 Australian Open.

What potential is there for Mary to win more titles and more Grand Slam titles? In an age where everyone is physically stronger and are more powerful off the serve and off the ground, Mary somewhat blends into the stereotype of the typical Sanex WTA tour player. However there are a couple of glaring weaknesses in her game which are preventing her from reaching the top in tennis. Mary's 5'11" frame ordains that she lacks foot speed - however it is something which tall players such as the Williams sisters possess. Her groundstrokes are very powerful, but they are not nearly as consistent or heavy as the groundstrokes of Lindsay Davenport. Finally, she lacks the champion's mettle which could help her fight her way through tight matches, especially when she is not playing well. While it is something that is instinctive and innate, you only have to observe players like Martina Hingis, Monica Seles and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario to know what a vital tool it is to have the "mind of a champion". Can Mary win Grand Slam titles anyway? The future doesn't look terribly promising unless she can do something about her weaknesses, but we can't count her out nonetheless. Mary last reached a Grand Slam final as recently as 1997 - albeit before the time of the Williams sisters and the "improved" Lindsay Davenport - and when she is playing well, she can beat anybody, Hingis, Williams and Davenport included. If only she could play her best consistently. So far this year, it has been anything but consistent. Mary endured her worst Australian campaign since her title defence in 1996 when she lost in the second round. After a solid win over current world #8 Conchita Martinez early on in Sydney, Mary's game fell apart as she destructed against an in-form Amelie Mauresmo. Her Australian Open campaign was just as abysmal as she was upset in the fourth round, unable to justify or make good use of her #4 seeding. To complete the shockers, Mary lost her first match in Tokyo as the #2 seed, losing to #87 Lilia Osterloh in three sets. She looked far from the motivated and eager player who comes to Australia each year ready to win matches easily and confidently. Maybe the confidence is no longer there. Who knows with Mary?