By Erik Gudris | Monday, October 20, 2014
Maria Sharapova could become No. 1 in the world at Singapore. But that all depends on her results this week, including a possible showdown with Serena Williams.
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Was 2014 a No. 1 caliber year for Maria Sharapova?
That was one of the questions posed to the current World No. 2 before the start of this week's WTA Finals in Singapore. And it's good one considering the Russian superstar has a shot at claiming the top ranking depending on how results play out at the elite eight woman event.
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Despite that opportunity, Sharapova isn't focusing on that coveted number. Yet.
"I think my year has been the way that it is," Sharapova said. "I think the ranking is the way that it is and shows that I'm in the number two position. So I don't think it really matters. Personally it was great to get another Grand Slam under my belt this year and win a couple big titles. Ultimately hoping to go finish on a good note here."
Winning her second French Open title earlier in June helped put Sharapova in the prime position she is now. Sharapova also claimed big titles in Stuttgart, Madrid and just recently Beijing. That title run in the Chinese capital boosted Sharapova up to No. 2.
Finishing in Singapore, as she puts it on a good note, just might clinch the year-end No. 1 ranking for Sharapova - a first for her. Yet Sharapova correctly pointed out that individual rankings also depend, in part, on what others achieve on tour all year long.
"I always feel that ranking is also not just based on your results but based on other people's results and accomplishments. That's why I've always experienced the joy of Grand Slam wins so much more, because the spur of the moment. There is actually a point that you have to win in order to get it; whereas the rankings will depend on other people's performances during the year, at certain tournaments."
A certain player who has managed to keep far enough ahead this year, and plenty of other seasons, over Sharapova is current No. 1 Serena Williams.
Though Williams won both of their meetings this year, Sharapova just might get another chance at Williams late in the event. Being in different round robin groups, the earliest each could meet is in the semifinals.
In fact, it was 10 years ago in Los Angeles at the same year-end tournament, known then as the Tour Championships, that Sharapova earned only her second win over Williams en route to winning the title. Since then, Williams leads the overall head-to-head 16 to 2.
"It felt like a home tournament in a way for me," Sharapova reflected on L.A. "I remember the players. It was of course a very tough field as always. Just going through the draw there and the way that I felt and the way I played, I've seen some clips as well, very inspiring. Certainly hope I can do that here again."
Despite her success this season, there's certainly been several disappointments along the way. Sharapova found herself stopped early at the rest of the Grand Slams this year. But with Williams also losing early in Grand Slams before her title win in New York, that makes the decision on which woman truly had the best season tough to call.
Since her success over Williams in L.A. a decade ago, the "rivalry" between the tour's two biggest stars has been decidedly one-sided over the years. The Russian certainly has carved out a position as one of the world's most well-known and highest paid sportswomen. Still, she continues to chase Williams in terms of overall titles won. Yet, Sharapova now has an opportunity to add an official stamp that it was her who truly had the definitive "No. 1 year".
"Is it an incredible accomplishment? Absolutely. It would be amazing to achieve that. I haven't done that in my career, finishing year‑end No. 1, but I have been in that spot before and been No. 2 before and gotten to No. 1. If I do perform well, then my chances are better than if I don't perform well."