Elena Dementieva

Elena Dementieva

Sony Ericsson Championships
White Group Seed Player
1 Jelena Jankovic
4 Ana Ivanovic
6 Svetlana Kuznetsova
8 Vera Zvonareva

Seed: 5
2008 record: 54-15, three titles
2008 Grand Slams: 4R, QF, SF, SF
Career Grand Slam titles: none
Previous appearance at year-end championships: 2006

More than a few pros would coast if they were ensconced in the top 15 and getting up there in tennis years. Not Dementieva.


The newly turned 27-year-old has beefed up her serve since the spring, and although it won't ever be a weapon, at least the double faults are gone. Those groundstrokes remain world-class.

With faithful mom Vera by her side, Dementieva achieved her career goal at the Beijing Olympics by claiming gold, headlining a Russian sweep. If she hadn't blown a hefty lead to Safina at Roland Garros, who knows whether her Grand Slam drought would have ended?

Adams' verdict: "Elena is always one of those sleepers, although we know what her results have been. But if she's off just a little bit, her unforced errors can creep up, and she, too, has shown signs of showing her frustration on the court. It will be a big challenge for her to come into the championships and have a chance to win."