Reflecting on the WTA 2023 season reveals a year far from predictable. While not catastrophic for women’s tennis overall, certain players fell short of the lofty expectations set for them. In this overview, we’ll delve into five standout names from this edition, but their prominence isn’t necessarily for positive reasons.
Ons Jabeur: A Rollercoaster Year Ons Jabeur concluded the season at an impressive world No. 6, securing over 35 victories and clinching two titles. However, her 2023 performance left a bittersweet impression. Despite commencing the year as the second-ranked player and reaching multiple Grand Slam finals, her journey faced obstacles due to injuries and the weight of expectations. One can’t help but wonder, could Wimbledon have altered her narrative? Undoubtedly, yet anxiety and pressure played decisive roles against her.
Caroline Garcia: Summit to Top 20 Transition Expectations soared for Caroline Garcia, who underwent a resurgence since the summer of 2022. While predicting a Grand Slam victory in 2023 proved overly optimistic, her inconsistency throughout the year resulted in a tumble from the top 4 to the top 20. Despite a commendable record of 40 wins and 27 losses, the two individual finals she contested slipped through her grasp against Alycia Parks and Donna Vekic.
Danielle Collins: Seeking Past Brilliance Danielle Collins’ prominence in the tennis scene has waned since her stellar performance in the 2022 Australian Open. Although her descent in the rankings wasn’t dramatic, concerns arise from her limited participation and apparent lack of enjoyment on the court. Semifinals in Austin and San Diego stood out as the highlights of her season, separated by a seven-month interval. While Collins may have faded from the grand stages, she maintains her position in the top 20 globally.
Bianca Andreescu: The Vanishing Champion? Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, has witnessed a continuous decline in recent years. Starting the year at No. 46, she concluded the season at No. 96 with a record of 15 wins and 16 losses. While her victories are noteworthy, they fall short of expectations. The Canadian must regain her form in 2024 to sidestep another inclusion in the list of disappointments.
Jil Teichmann: A Year of Uncertainties Jil Teichmann flew under the radar for much of the season, yet her drop from No. 35 to No. 145 raises questions. Despite a record of 24 wins and 29 losses, her performances in W125K tournaments and the change in coach when joining Andrew Bettles did not have the anticipated impact. The Swiss player hopes that this year was merely an adaptation period, and the best is yet to come.
As we dissect these disappointments from the WTA 2023 season, we hold onto hope that these players will find their way back to the top in the upcoming competitions.