2002 was all about Serena Williams. Prior years may have been about the Williams sisters, but 2002 was Serena's coming out.
She won three of four Grand Slam events in 2002, dominating big sis Venus in each of the finals, and lost only five matches all year. Had injury not forced her to miss the Australian Open, Serena likely could have captured a rare Grand Slam.
Few players were able to threaten Serena in 2002. Prior to the start of this year, Serena had never beaten her next closest competition, Jennifer Capriati or sister Venus. That all changed during the 2002 season, when she didn't lose once to either player.
For Serena Williams fans, 2002 was a year to celebrate success and the maturing of her game. For fans of women's tennis in general, there are mixed emotions. With Serena such a dominant player, who is there to challenge her? In the past, we've looked to Jennifer Capriati and sister Venus, but they posed no threat in 2002.
When a healthy Lindsay Davenport returns to tour, and possibly Martina Hingis, we may see more competitive matches with Serena. Another often overlooked player, Belgian teen Kim Clijsters is also a threat. She won the season ending WTA championship title over a tired Serena with a brilliant performance of guts and shotmaking.
Congratulations to Serena on a fabulous 2002, and good luck to the rest of the tour as they work during the off season on catching her in 2003.
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