Buy, Sell or Hold: Sara Errani

 

Italian tennis, particularly on the women’s side, has achieved some historic milestones over the past decade. Since 2005, Italy has won more Fed Cup titles than any other nation (four). Additionally, Italy is one of only three nations, Russia and the Czech Republic being the other two, to win the Fed Cup title in that span. Italy’s success in the Fed Cup competition is due in part to the talented group of women, who have achieved great success on the WTA Tour. These women are Francesca Schiavone, Flavia Pennetta, Roberta Vinci, and Sara Errani.

The first Italian player to make her breakthrough on the WTA Tour was Flavia Pennetta. In 2009, following an impressive run during the U.S. Open Summer Series, Pennetta became the first Italian woman to be ranked in the Top 10 in singles. Pennetta would later go on the win the Australian Open doubles title alongside partner Gisela Dulko, and become the first Italian player, male or female, to be ranked number one in the world in doubles. Flavia Pennetta’s achievements were only the start of Italian success on tour.

Fellow countrywoman Francesca Schiavone would follow up Flavia Pennetta success on the WTA Tour, achieving several firsts for Italian tennis. Entering the 2010 French Open, Schiavone was the 17^th seed, and not considered a strong contender for the title. However, following victories over Li Na and Maria Kirilenko, Schiavone became the first Italian woman ever to reach a Grand Slam semifinal. The Italian’s success at Roland Garros would continue after defeating Elena Dementieva in the semifinals. The victory guaranteed that Schiavone would become the second Italian woman to be ranked in the Top 10. In the final, Schiavone would face the powerful Australian, Sam Stosur. Ironically enough, the final was a rematch of their first-round encounter at the French Open just a year before. Stosur entered the final in impressive form; defeating the likes of Justine Henin and Serena Williams en route to her first grand slam final. However, Schiavone put on an inspiring display, dispatching the Aussie in straight sets, 6-4 7-6. The Italian would eventually reach a career-high No. 4 in the world, becoming the first Italian woman to be ranked in the Top 5.

Last but certainly not least, are Italians Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci. The Italian duo has achieved success on the WTA Tour in both singles and doubles. Together they have won four grand slam doubles titles: the 2012 French Open, the 2012 U.S. Open, and the 2013 and 2014 Australian Open. Due in part to their great success in doubles, Errani and Vinci joined countrywoman Flavia Pennetta as the second and third Italian women to become No. 1 in the world in doubles. Additionally, Errani and Vinci both became Top 10 players in singles. However, it was Errani who would achieve greater success on the singles court.

At the start of her professional career, I considered Sara Errani an average singles player. For four straight years, the Italian was ranked firmly in the Top 50 in the world. However, in 2012, Errani made the step from an average player to one of the game’s elite. Errani’s success would begin at the year’s first major, the Australian Open, where she would make her first career quarterfinal. The Italian’s strong play continued during the clay court season, where she won three titles, and became the second Italian woman ever to reach a grand slam final. Later that year, Errani would become the first Italian woman in the Open Era to make the U.S. Open semifinals. The diminutive Italian would finish her breakthrough season as the sixth-ranked player in the world.

Even though Sara Errani has continued her success over the past couple of seasons, I question whether the Italian can sustain her consistent play for much longer. After being ranked in the Top 10 for the past year and a half, Errani’s inconsistent start to the 2014 season resulted in her falling to No. 11 after the Sony Open in Miami. In this blog, I will discuss whether it is wise to buy, sell or hold the stock of the Italian.    

Reasons To Buy

1.   Fighter’s Mentality: The primary reason why I appreciate Sara Errani’s game is her fighter’s mentality. Despite her physical limitations as a player, Errani shows the heart of a lion. No matter how grim the score line, Errani always displays a positive demeanor on court. A typical winning Errani point consists of emphatic grunting, followed by a roar of ‘come on!’ The elite players in today’s game: Serena, Sharapova and Azarenka, all possess a strong fighter’s mentality. Furthermore, in this aspect Sara Errani can be placed right alongside these great champions.  

2.   Good Variety: Typically when a player does not possess the power to out hit their opponents, they rely on variety to get the job done. Sara Errani, as a result of her time spent on the doubles court, has incorporated great variety into her game. The Italian effectively uses her backhand slice when in defensive positions, and when transitioning to the net. Moreover, because Errani hits the slice so effectively, she is able to knife under the ball and hit an unexpected drop shot. Another shot that Errani uses frequently is the topspin lob. Similar to the slice, Errani uses the topspin lob when in a defensive position, or to pass a net-rushing opponent. One of the Italian’s signature patterns is the drop shot/lob combination. Errani first draws her opponent to the net with a drop shot that lands just over the net. Next, as the opponent retrieves the shot, Errani moves forward in the court to hit a lob of the opponent’s head. In today’s game, a player’s weight of shot has diminished the use of variety. Sara Errani is one of the few players on tour that is able to use variety to outduel her opponents.        

Reasons To Sell

1.   Size Limitations: Standing at 5’4 1/2” inches tall, Sara Errani is one of the shortest players ranked in the Top 100. The size disadvantage presents huge challenges for the feisty Italian. Unlike Dominika Cibulkova, who possesses great power despite her 5’ 3” frame, Errani lacks the ability to hit through her opponents. As much as the Italian’s variety is a major strength in her game, Errani’s lack of power is a hindering weakness. In addition to the size limitations, Errani does not have a weapon to rely on in tough situations. For example, Serena Williams can always rely on her serve when trailing late in a match. Errani on the other hand, has to trust on her grit and fighter’s mentality to overcome adversity. When playing a bigger and more powerful opponent, Errani relies heavily on her foot-speed and defensive skills. Consequently, more often than not, the size and power disadvantage proves to be too much for the diminutive Italian to overcome. One thing you cannot teach in tennis is size. Unfortunately, Sara Errani struggles mightily in the size department.

2.   Overplays: As much as playing doubles has improved Errani’s singles game, the amount of time spent on court playing both events has finally caught up with the Italian. In 2013, Errani played 122 matches: 73 in singles, 49 in doubles. Over the past decade, we have seen on several occasions the negative result of overplaying. The first player that comes to mind is Jelena Jankovic. The talented Serb would play well over 20 tournaments a year. As a result, Jankovic was able to become the number one player in the world. However, after two or three seasons of overplaying, the mileage finally caught up with the Serb. Inconsistency began to creep into Jankovic’s game, and her ranking soon fell out of the Top 20.

The most notable player to succumb to the effects of overplaying was former world number one Dinara Safina. Sister of two-time grand slam champion Marat Safin, Safina was a talented Russian, with the ability to be a dominant force on the WTA Tour. Safina made her breakthrough at the 2008 French Open, where she made the final, losing to Ana Ivanovic. The Russian, who was constantly criticized for her lack of fitness, made huge strides following her success at the French Open. Safina’s increased fitness-level helped the Russian reach three grand slam finals, and ascend to the number one ranking. However, it was not only the quicker foot speed and lost weight that got Safina to the top of the women’s game. Similar to Jelena Jankovic, Safina was also a player who entered over 20 tournaments a year. Following successful seasons in 2009 and 2010, injuries began to affect the Russian’s game. Unfortunately, the injuries proved to be debilitating for Safina. At this week’s Madrid Open, Safina announced her retirement from tennis. 

The biggest difference between the previously mentioned players and Errani is Jankovic and Safina did not have to contend with the size limitations. Furthermore, the obstacles that Errani will have to overcome are far greater than those two players. If the Italian continues to play as much as she does, it wouldn’t surprise me if her ranking continues to drop, or injury takes her out of the game. Players must learn to select the events they enter wisely. Based on Errani’s schedule over the past two seasons, she has not figured out a way to optimize her time on court.

  

Reasons to Hold

1.   Great Clay Court Player: Over the past two seasons, other than Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams, Sara Errani has been the best clay court player in the world. In 2012 and 2013, Errani racked up five clay court titles, which puts her second only to Williams (7) for most clay court titles in that span. One of the hardest things to do in tennis is defend ranking points at a major. Following her surprise run to the French Open final in 2012, Errani would make the semifinals the very next year. From a ranking points’ perspective, the players who reach the final of a major receive 1500 ranking points; whereas, semifinalists are rewarded with 900. Furthermore, the Italian was able to defend a majority of the ranking points at the French Open accumulated from the year before. Growing up on the surface, Errani feels at home on clay. The slower court surface also neutralizes some of the challenges Errani has to contend with. Players must construct their points with the use of angles and depth. As a result, Errani is able to use her extraordinary defensive skills and foot speed to get more balls in play, and occasionally be the aggressor. In conclusion, it may be difficult for Sara Errani to compete on the faster surfaces. However, she will always be a dark horse on a clay court.

2.   Consistent At Bigger Events: Sara Errani has proven over the last two years that she can go deep in tournaments on every surface except grass. The Italian concluded her successful 2012 grand slam campaign with a semifinal run at the U.S. Open. Moreover, Errani was able to win five consecutive matches on what is arguably the fastest court surface in the world. The former French Open finalist has also had success at the larger WTA events as well. In 2013, Errani was a semifinalist at the premier mandatory event in Madrid, as well as a quarterfinalist at the events in Indian Wells and Miami. As a result of the Italian’s consistency on the WTA Tour, she was one of eight players to qualify for the season-ending WTA Tour Championships in both 2012 and 2013. Errani would not have been able to qualify for such a prestigious event if she did not perform well at the biggest WTA Tour events. Furthermore, Errani may never be an odds-on favorite to win a major title; however, it should not a surprise to see the 5’ 4 ½” Italian in the latter stages of the premier WTA events.        

Verdict

Based on my analysis of Sara Errani’s game, I believe that it is best to sell the Italian’s singles stock. As a player who plays singles and doubles consistently, the mileage that Errani will endure over time will soon catch up with her. More importantly, as a player that stands only 5’4 1/2” tall, it will be extremely difficult for the Italian to compete with the bigger and stronger players consistently. With the lack of a huge weapon to get her out of trouble, Errani has to work much harder than players like Serena or Sharapova to win matches. Sara Errani has maximized her potential on the singles court. However, the weaknesses in her game are too large to have sustainable results on the WTA Tour.

Even though I recommended to sell Errani’s singles stock, I believe that you should definitely hold the Italian’s doubles stock. Errani possesses the variety and volleying skills that will help the Italian achieve greater success in doubles. As long as her doubles partner, Roberta Vinci, wants to play with Errani, the pairing should remain one of the best doubles teams in the world. In a game that was once known for the chip and charge, Sara Errani’s variety game is slightly out of date. As a result, Errani’s game is more suitable for doubles than it is for singles. 

Do you think Sara Errani can continue her success on the WTA Tour? Let me know in the comments section below.

In my next blog I will be providing a French Open preview, where I address the contenders, dark horses and more prior to the season's second major.   

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What If... No Williams Sisters

For the better part of two decades, the Williams Sisters have been a dominant force on the WTA Tour. After growing up in one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, Compton California, Venus and Serena used their tremendous talent to accomplish more than any siblings in sports history. They have a combined 54 Grand Slam Titles, 1298 career wins, 8 gold medals, and were both number one in the world in singles and doubles. Women’s tennis has been extremely fortunate to have two such amazing athletes competing on tour during the same period. Conversely, lets imagine what the WTA Tour would be like had the Williams Sisters never played professional tennis. In this blog, I will discuss the various contributions the Williams Sisters have made to women’s tennis, as well as consider the development of the WTA Tour without the impact of Venus and Serena.

Contributions to Women’s Tennis  

1.   Physicality

Throughout history, women’s tennis has been recognized for its grace and artistic beauty. Players like Chris Evert and Billie Jean King relied on their elegant groundstrokes and volleys to get to the top of the women’s game. Conversely, the introduction of the Williams Sisters to the WTA Tour brought about the progression in physicality, thus changing the game forever.  

Even from a young age, both Venus and Serena were imposing figures on the court. Venus, standing a statuesque 6’1”, had a first serve that few have seen before. Frequently clocked around 120 mph, Venus Williams used this unique weapon to blow passed opponents. The elder Williams was also solid on both the forehand and backhand wings, using her flat, penetrating strokes to move forward in the court. However, Venus was most intimidating at the net. With her long levers, passing Venus was like trying to get the ball passed a 747 airplane.

As if her powerful ground game wasn’t enough, Venus Williams possessed the movement of a gazelle. From an early age, father Richard Williams instilled in both Venus and Serena the mentality of ‘you could run down every ball.’ Taken to heart, there are few balls that got by the Williams Sisters. To demonstrate Venus’ superior movement and groundstrokes, take a look at the video below.

   

Sister Serena, just 15 months younger, possessed a similar game to older sister Venus. At 5’9”, Serena didn’t have long levers like her older sister. However, the younger Williams had an equally imposing game and serve. Serena could strike the serve with the same velocity her older sister; however, she also used heavy slice and topspin kick serves to dismantle opponents. The one shot that set Serena apart from sister Venus was her second serve. Still one of the best in the game, Serena’s kick serve is a safe and effective stroke that typically doesn’t break down, even in tight matches.  

Never before had women’s tennis seen players move as well and strike the ball as hard as the Williams Sisters. Even though Venus exhibited the elegance and grace that has characterized women’s tennis, the Williams Sisters brought the physicality of the sport to another level. Now more than ever, players have increased the time spent in the gym, focusing on their strength training and cardiovascular fitness. This shift in the women’s training regimen is the result of the imposing games of both Williams Sisters.   

2.   Equal Prize Money

Not only have the Williams Sisters led the charge toward a more physical women’s game; Venus and Serena were strong advocates in the fight for equal prize money. For many years, the French Open and Wimbledon awarded less prize money to the female players. Following in the footsteps of women’s tennis pioneer Billie Jean King, older sister Venus took it upon herself to continue to fight for women’s equality. In 2005, with the French Open and Wimbledon still refusing to pay male and female players equally, Venus decided to speak out on the issue. Prior to each of the tournaments, Venus met with tournament officials, addressing them on why men and women should be paid equally. Despite leaving a meaningful impression, Venus’ requests were denied.  

On the eve of The Championship, Wimbledon in 2006, an essay written by Venus Williams was published in The Times, accusing that world-renowned sporting event of being on the “wrong side of history.” In the strongly articulated essay, Venus accuses the All-England Lawn and Tennis Club of diminishing the hard work women have put into becoming professional tennis players. In addition, the elder Williams expressed the message she tries to convey to women around the globe – that there is no glass ceiling. By refusing to pay equal prize money to all players, Venus believed that Wimbledon is sending a message to women that their accomplishments are worth less than the male players. Williams made it her intention to continue pursuing Billie Jean King’s dream of equality. The essay was concluded with Venus stating how the greatest tournament in tennis is tarnished as a result of their strongly held beliefs. 

The well-written letter proved to be the turning point in the decades-long effort for equality. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, along with members of Parliament, endorsed the statements Venus made in The Times article. In addition, the WTA teamed up with UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, in an effort to promote gender equality in sports. Finally in 2007, under intense pressure, The All-England Club announced that the tournament would award equal prize money to both men and women in all rounds. Less than a day after Wimbledon’s historic announcement, the French Open followed suit and awarded equal prize money to female players. The first woman to benefit from the equal prize money at Wimbledon was none other than the pioneer herself, Venus Williams. In all my years of watching tennis, no one deserved to win Wimbledon in 2007 more than Venus Williams.    

If you would like to read Venus Williams’ The Times essay, just click the link below.

http://www.saludaschools.org/cms/lib02/SC01001128/Centricity/Domain/251/Venus%20Williams%20_%20I%20Am%202nd%20Class%20Athlete.doc

The WTA Tour Without the Williams Sisters

1.   Number of Black Athletes on Tour

Throughout history, tennis has been considered a country-club sport; played predominantly by white, affluent individuals. Prior to the Williams Sisters, the only black grand slam singles champions were Althea Gibson, who won the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in the 1950s; and Arthur Ashe, who won the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open in the 60s and 70s. The sport was hampered by the lack of a successful black tennis player, inhibiting the appeal to different racial groups. However, the emergence of the Williams Sisters on the WTA Tour would change how people viewed tennis.

For many years, Venus and Serena Williams have been role models to young girls around the world, regardless of their skin color. They have proven that regardless of where you come from, you can achieve anything, as long as you put in the time and effort. More importantly, the Williams Sisters have eliminated the exclusivity stereotype that has hampered tennis for so many years. Carrying the torch once held by Althea Gibson, Venus and Serena have changed the face of tennis, but not without facing adversity along the way.

The moment in Venus and Serena’s careers where they faced extreme adversity was during the 2001 Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells. Just before their semifinal encounter, Venus withdrew from the match with an injury, giving Serena a walkover into the final. The spectators at the tournament were not pleased with Venus’ withdrawal, resulting in unforgivable actions towards the Williams family. During the championship match, which saw Serena take on the talented Belgian Kim Clijsters, the Williams family were heckled and booed with racial slurs and other derogatory remarks. As I watched this match as a young child, I acknowledged that the spectators’ actions toward the then 19 and 20-year-old sisters, in their home country, signified a low point for the sport. Despite the insufferable adversity, Serena showed the heart of a champion and defeated Clijsters in three tough sets. Unfortunately for tennis fans, as a result of the crowd’s actions, Venus and Serena have never returned to the tournament.

The influence Venus and Serena Williams have had on women’s tennis has inspired black athletes everywhere to become professional tennis players. Looking at the next generation of American tennis, there are several black players who have the potential to become the next tennis superstar. These players include 17-year-old Taylor Townsend, 18-year-old Victoria Duval, 19-year-old Madison Keys, and 21-year-old Sloane Stephens. Without the bravery and determination of the Williams Sisters, and Althea Gibson before them, players like Keys and Stephens may not have ventured into tennis. When asked about why she wanted to play tennis, Keys detailed that it was because of the dress Venus Williams was wearing at Wimbledon. Similarly, Victoria Duval detailed while on the Jay Leno Show that her favorite player was Venus Williams. The effect Venus and Serena Williams have had on women’s tennis parallels the efforts of Billie Jean King. Tennis is more ethnically diverse than ever, and it is all thanks to the Williams Sisters.  

2.   State of American Women’s Tennis

Over the years, American tennis fans have been fortunate to have some of the greatest tennis players of all-time represent the United States. From Pete Sampras to Chris Evert, the United States has produced a laundry list of tennis champions. Since 1999, the Williams Sisters have won 24 grand slam singles. Statistically, in the 62 majors played since 1999, the Williams Sisters have won 38.7% of them. Based on the previously mentioned statistic, it is fair to say that Venus and Serena Williams have been a major presence in tennis the past decade and a half.

If you are a tennis fan, you are probably aware of the current struggles for American male tennis players. An American male has not won a major singles title since Andy Roddick captured his lone major at the U.S. Open in 2003. Looking at the American women, if you disregard Venus and Serena’s grand slam triumphs, we would be having a similar conversation about the women as the American men. In fact, the grand slam title drought for the American women other than the Williams Sisters is even worse than the men. The last American woman to win a grand slam singles title whose last name isn’t Williams is Jennifer Capriati, who won the 2002 Australian Open. Since the year 2000, an American has lifted the trophy at a major only four times. The women champions were Lindsay Davenport (2000 Australian Open) and Jennifer Capriati (2001-02 Australian Open, 2001 French Open). Moreover, Davenport and Capriati are older than the Williams Sisters, and have since retired.

Based on the previously mentioned details, it is clear that the state of American women’s tennis over the past decade has been far from ideal. Despite the large number of young American prospects, there still isn’t a player who is ready to carry the torch that Venus and Serena Williams have possessed for the past decade. Tennis fans have been fortunate to have the Williams Sisters competing at such an elite level well into their thirties. However, American tennis fans have been forced to rely on Venus and Serena for far too long. As much as I would love to have both Venus and Serena playing tennis for many more years, the United States is overdue for another great tennis champion to emerge. Even though it is an exciting time for American tennis on the women’s side, there is also extreme desperation amongst U.S. fans as they eagerly wait for the next U.S. woman to breakthrough at a major. 

Conclusion

The Williams Sisters are two of the greatest tennis players of all-time for several reasons. Venus and Serena have not only made tremendous contributions on-court by increasing the physicality of tennis; they have also made a difference off the court with their efforts for equal prize money. Most importantly, Venus and Serena Williams have been an inspiration to tennis fans around the globe. On a personal note, if the Williams Sisters had not been competing around the time I discovered my passion for tennis, I probably would not have the same love for the game that I do today. Thank you Venus and Serena for making women’s tennis the highly intriguing sport it is today.

Player Update

Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, who I cited as one of tennis’ talented up and coming players, moved into the Top 100 for the first time following a semifinal showing at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston two weeks ago. As a qualifier, Bencic defeated tenth-seeded Russian Maria Kirilenko, and world No. 11 Sara Errani en-route to her first WTA semifinal. Prior to Charleston, Bencic had never won back-to-back matches on the WTA Tour. Even more surprising, the 2013 ITF junior champion almost didn’t make the main draw. In the final round of qualifying, the young Swiss faced a point for a 4-1 deficit in the final set. The 17-year-old became the first player born 1997 or later to be ranked inside the Top 100 in the world. For further analysis on Bencic’s game, check out my blog post “The Next Tennis Superstar.” 

What are your thoughts on the Williams Sisters? Let me know in the comments section below.

In my next blog I will be continuing the blog series, Buy, Sell or Hold.   

Enjoyed this post? Email it to a friend or share it on your social media page. I look forward to sharing my thoughts on tennis with you!

     

Buy, Sell or Hold: Simona Halep

Over the past 12 months, the hottest player on tour other than Serena Williams has been Simona Halep. The 22-year-old, from Constanta Romania, has won seven titles, including Doha and New Haven. More impressively, the six titles Halep collected in 2013 were achieved without a coach. With the Romanian’s recent success, she has begun to gain the attention of players and spectators alike. Before discussing the reasons to buy, sell or hold the stock of the talented Romanian, I will answer the question, “Who is Simona Halep?”

Prior to becoming a Top 5 player on the WTA Tour, Simona Halep achieved great success on the junior tour. The Romanian was the number one junior in the world back in 2008. Her credits include winning the 2008 French Open Junior Championships, as well as a semi-final showing at the Australian Open Junior Championships that same year. In 2010, at the age of 18, Halep made her first splash on the WTA Tour, making the final in Fès Morocco. The Romanian would finish the year ranked No. 81, her first Top 100 season.

Halep would break into the Top 50 for the first time in 2011 following another runner-up finish in Fès, and a third-round appearance at the Australian Open. Unfortunately, Halep endured a difficult 2012 season, falling in the first-round 11 times. Moreover, after a 7-9 start to the 2013 season, the Romanian would go on one of the most impressive runs in recent memory. In the next 14 WTA main draws Halep contested, the Romanian would go 43-8, highlighted by six WTA titles; a semifinal appearance in Rome; a quarterfinal showing in Cincinnati; and her first fourth-round appearance at a major (U.S Open). Halep concluded her breakthrough season with a win at the Tournament of Champions in Sofia, Bulgaria. As a result of her impressive streak, Halep would finish the year a career-high No. 11.

Halep’s strong play continued at the start of the 2014 season. The 5’6” Romanian would reach her first career grand slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open, defeating eighth-seeded Jelena Jankovic along the way. Several weeks later, Halep captured the biggest title of her career at the premier-event in Doha, defeating three Top 10 players en-route ([4] Errani, [2] Radwanska, and [6] Kerber). The Romanian made history after yet another strong showing at the BNP Paribas Open. Following her quarterfinal win over Australian Casey Dellacqua, Halep became the first Romanian to be ranked Top 5 in the world.         

Now that I have reviewed Halep’s career, examining the red-hot Romanian’s potential moving forward is the next logical step. As Halep continues her rapid accent up the rankings, her stock has become increasingly enticing for tennis investors. In this blog I will provide reasons why buying Halep’s stock is a worthwhile option, as well as reasons to sell or hold her stock.

Reasons to Buy

1. Improved Strokes: One of the reasons for Halep’s recent success is her improved groundstrokes. The Romanian possesses a solid backhand groundstroke. However, Halep’s forehand tends to break down because of the big backswing she takes to produce the shot. Over the past twelve months, Halep has shortened her backswing, as well as adjusted the contact point of her forehand, producing a much more consistent groundstroke. Coupled with the added pop on her shots, Simona Halep has two extremely solid groundstrokes, which she has used to take down some of the game’s top players.  
2. Newly Found Confidence: Every athlete knows that winning is accompanied with confidence. Now more than ever, the Romanian, despite her diminutive statute, believes that she can beat the top players. When a tennis player is confident, I recognize two things: the player trusts their shots, resulting in precise shot placement, and less unforced errors; and when in a tight match, the player still has a strong belief that they can win. The red-hot Romanian has proven what confidence can do for a player. Look for her to use this confidence to take her to the next level of the women’s game.     
3. Still Has Room To Improve: At just 22 years of age, Simona Halep still has areas of her game that she can improve. Her transition and net game are arguably the weakest part of her game. As an aggressive baseline player, moving forward in the court to take shots out of the air allow Halep to put even more pressure on opponents. Another shot the Romanian could improve is her second serve. Halep possesses a smooth service motion that she utilizes effectively given her height. If Halep could add a few MPHs to her second serve, it would help her win a higher percentage of service points.   
4. Almost In Her Prime: The days of teenagers winning grand slam titles are a thing of the past. Players in today’s game are developing later in their careers. Take Li Na for example. The world No. 2 won her first grand slam title at age 29, and her second at age 31. Turning 23 in September, Simona Halep is heading into the prime years of her career. As the Romanian continues to mature physically, look for her game to develop too. 
5. Going deep at the bigger events: Coinciding with her newly found confidence, Simona Halep is beginning to make an impression at the bigger WTA events. At the last three majors, Halep has made the second round (Wimbledon), the fourth round (U.S. Open), and the quarterfinals (Australian Open). The Romanian proved that she could go deep at the premier events during last year’s Internazionali BNL d’Italia. As a qualifier, Halep won six matches en-route to the semifinals, where she lost to the eventual champion, Serena Williams. As long as Simona Halep can sustain the confidence she has accumulated in the past year, look for her to continue being present during the latter stages of the biggest WTA Tour events.  

Reasons to Sell

1. Physical Limitations: At 5’6”, 132 lbs., Simona Halep is one of the smaller players on tour. Being a tennis player that is diminutive in stature presents several challenges when it comes to their game. The first is the effectiveness of the serve. Even though Halep has great placement on her serve, the problem lies in the amount of pace she can generate on the shot. If not placed effectively, the Halep serve is a shot that players can batter. Another challenge for the Romanian is the lack of power on her groundstrokes. Most players her size rely heavily on their movement and shot placement. However, if Halep wants to be more competitive against the players like Maria Sharapova or the Williams Sisters, the Romanian must add more power to her shots. The third challenge lies in the player’s reach, or lack there of. Fortunately for Halep, she possesses great foot speed. However, when returning serve or playing a powerful opponent, the Romanian will struggle to get a racquet on shots like a short slice-serve or a flat serve down the middle. If Simona Halep wants to remain a Top 5 player, she must learn to compensate for her size disadvantage. These challenges are significant enough to consider selling Halep’s stock.             

Reasons to Hold

1. Too Soon To Determine Consistency: Simona Halep began her impressive run midway through the 2013 season. For this reason, I believe that it may be too soon to tell whether the Romanian can sustain her high level of play. Typically players who breakthrough on the WTA Tour can only sustain their success for a short period of time. A perfect example would be Germany’s Angelique Kerber. The German made her breakthrough at the 2011 U.S. Open, where she made the semifinals as the 92^nd ranked player in the world. Kerber was able to break into the Top 5 in the world after having a successful 2012 season. Even though Kerber still remains in the WTA Top 10, the German has not been able to maintain the consistency that got her to two grand slam semifinals. Similar to calling a state in a Presidential election, it is still too soon to call whether Simona Halep can maintain her consistent level of play.    
2. The Hunted: As a player reaches the upper echelon of tennis, their role changes for being the hunter to the hunted. For most of Simona Halep’s career, she has occupied the hunter role. Now ranked No. 5 in the world, the Romanian has to deal with a casting change. How Halep deals with the added pressure of being a top player is still to be determined. For this reason, I believe that further analysis is required before determining whether Halep has what it takes to survive the hunters.   

Verdict

Based on my analysis of Simona Halep, it would be a wise decision to invest in the Romanian’s stock. The Romanian possesses an all-around game that translates to every surface. Improvements to her serve and volley game, along with adding power to her shots will help Halep against the bigger, more powerful players on the tour. Based on her success in the juniors and on tour in the past year, the Romanian is capable of winning grand slam titles. At 22 years of age, Simona Halep is one of the brightest young stars on the WTA Tour. I look forward to observing how Halep develop as a player, as well as watching how much she can achieve despite her diminutive stature.  

What are your thoughts on the talented Romanian? Please let me know in the comments section below!

In my next blog, I am beginning another new blog series What if…? 

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