Serena Williams' stranglehold of the top ranking is suddenly under sieged not by rival Maria Sharapova or other top netters, but rising star Eugenie Bouchard, who wants to get to the top of the WTA rankings.
The 20-year old Bouchard is undoubtedly the hottest player in women's tennis, having reached the semifinals of each of the first three Grand Slam tournaments this year. The Canadian darling is coming off her first major tournament finals appearance, where she lost to Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova.
Despite the shortcomings, it seems no one can stop Bouchard from dreaming big time this early in her career as she expressed her intention to compete for the no.1 spot in the WTA rankings.
"My goal is not to (just) be seventh in the world. I have big dreams," Bouchard told the Montreal Gazette.
Bouchard, who is among the favourites in the Rogers Cup, said she's excited to play before her family, friends and countryman in Montreal, where she was born and raiosed.
"It makes it more exciting for me. And I have more family and friends who can come to visit as well. You know, I always feel the support from my country and my city. So to be able to play in front of them will be very exciting," Bouchard added.
Brimming With Possibility
Bouchard reached career no.7 in the WTA ranking on a strength of her Wimbledon Open finals appearance and a handful of good results this year. Many tennis pundits believed sky is the limit for the Canadian darling if she continues to be consistent on the court.
Still, Williams is the woman to beat despite her hiccups at the Wimbledon Open championships. The 32-year old American bombed out of the grass-court tournament in an odd fashion, prompting concerns among her fans about her health condition.
On Tuesday, Williams downplayed negative reports on her and expressed her desire to start training for the North American hard court season. Serena is the reigning US Open champion, though she's going to have a hard time defending the crown this time with Bouchard, Sharapova, Simona Halep, Li Na and other top netters setting their sight on the prestigious trophy.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
