#4 Simona Halep
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While 2016 bore witness to substantive changes and unexpected outcomes in the tennis world, Simona Halep quietly had a fruitful season. The world no. 4, who was once known for her prowess on the clay courts, can now say that she has had the most productive time on hard courts, especially in the last few months.
When Halep came two games close to winning the 2014 French Open, she was considered to have the ability to dethrone Serena to etch her name as the next world no. 1. However, the Romanian could not get the job done then.
She might do it this time.
The 25-year-old has age on her side. While most of her contemporaries are past 27, Halep still has the time to impose herself on the WTA tour by making a fresh start this season. However, she crashed out of the Shenzhen Open at the beginning of the season and is still to find the best form this year.
One thing that Halep has going for her is that her draw is comparatively easier. She will not face an opponent ranked higher than her all the way to the semi-finals. Her agile movements, passive aggressive game and strong baseline play can definitely take her to the top of the pile.
The question is – does the Romanian have it in her to step up and stun the Rod Laver Arena, following up on her poor start to the season?
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