If I have to pick the next raising star on the WTA Tour, I would have to pick Alisa Kleybanova. She gave Kim Clijsters all she could handle last night even though the Russian lost in the tiebreak in the third set.
Clijsters advanced to the final to take on Na Li for the title of Sydney tonight. The Belgian gave lots of kudos to Kleybanova.
“If she plays like that, I think she’s definitely a contender to beat a lot of top players,” Clijsters said of Kleybanova’s chances at the Australian Open. “It was last year when she played Justine (Henin) where she almost beat her in the Australian Open. That’s a perfect example of how well she can play. So I think she is definitely a player who’s a very tough outsider.”
Now all the Russian needs to do is hit the gym and lose some pounds. Most top players today need to be in shape and chase down balls to win the slam.
Kleybanova already has the serve and power game, she just needs to work on her fitness level. And maybe also work on her head-jerking problem when she hits the ball.
Looks really painful!