2010s in tennis: 5 most unorthodox WTA players of the decade

Honorable mentions

Roberta Vinci (L) and Sarra Errani

Before we reach the summit, here is a list of honorable mentions for a few great women, who defined and strengthened the movement of an alternative style of play in an era of powerful hitters.

Roberta Vinci and Sara Errani scaled great heights in doubles, before taking the singles world by storm. All that, while never changing their characteristic style of play dominated by a strong game at the net and lots of guile.

A tribute is a must for the exceptional but ever-diminishing art of the one-handed backhand. While Carla Suarez Navarro remains the most notable player to use it, the likes of Tatjana Maria and Viktorija Golubic also employ the weapon to great effect.

Kirsten Flipkens and Barbora Strycova definitely warrant a mention for playing and wining by using a serve and volley brand of tennis that has fallen out of favor for most conservative players with the turn of the century.

No mention of the 2010-19 decade in tennis can be complete without the mention of Kimiko Date, a former World No. 4 who became a legend for a 28 year-long career. Because no matter what decade, there is nothing conventional about playing in your 40s.