Starting on December 7—the 25th day left in 2010—TENNIS.com will countdown from the year-end No. 25 on both tours with "The Last Word," a look back at the year that was and a look ahead at the season to come. Here's who we've looked at so far.
Best of 2010
Ljubicic amassed 1,965 ranking points this season, and over half of them were earned at one tournament—Indian Wells. The veteran eased into the event with a bye and wins over Ryan Harrison and Brian Dabul, then took out four big boys—Novak Djokovic, Juan Monaco, Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick—to claim his first Masters shield.
Worst of 2010
Harrison exacted revenge on Ljubicic when they met five months later at the U.S. Open. The young American won in four sets as Ljubicic suffered his second consecutive first-round loss at a Slam. At Wimbledon, he was upset by Michal Przysiezny in straights.
Year in Review
Aside from a late-season push (semis of Beijing, semis of Stockholm, final of Montpellier) and his unlikely title run in Indian Wells, it was a forgettable season for Ljubicic. But no one will remember the summertime losses. They’ll instead recall Ljubicic’s moment in the sun, when even Rafa couldn't rattle him. Ljubicic is the Francesca Schiavone of the ATP tour, with less hair. It all came together for her in Paris, just like it did for the Croat in California.
See for Yourself
Ljubicic used his massive serve and formidable groundstrokes to work wonders against Nadal, his toughest opponent at Indian Wells:
The Last Word
As he proved this spring, Ljubicic is still a tough out when his shots find their marks. He possesses a deceptively strong one-handed backhand and can unload with his forehand and serve. He’ll never be reliable in best-of-five set action: He turns 32 in March, and his opponents get enough time to figure him out. But on a fast court, in best-of-three set play, Ljubicic can’t be taken lightly.
—Ed McGrogan