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
She’s one of the few players who can claim a victory over Caroline Wozniacki in the second half of the season. Bartoli beat the eventual No. 1 6-4, 6-1 in the third round of Cincinnati before bowing out in the quarterfinals to Maria Sharapova.
Worst of 2010
Bartoli pounded the pavement in the summer, reaching the quarters in four of the five U.S. Open Series events she entered. But when the actual Open came around, Bartoli flopped, losing to Virginie Razzano in the second round.
Year in Review
It was a slow and steady season for the Frenchwoman, who didn’t end up winning any races. Bartoli was rarely an early-round exit at tournaments but reached just three final fours (and no finals)—one coming at the prestigious Miami event. There she lost to Venus Williams, whom Bartoli defeated for the Stanford title in 2009. Her two-handed forehand—in addition to her two-handed backhand—and low center of gravity worked well at Wimbledon, where she made the last 16. Ranked inside the Top 15 for much of the season, Bartoli was just 3-9 against Top 15 opponents.
See for Yourself
Never witnessed a two-handed forehand? Watch Bartoli hit it during one of her finest moments—the 2007 Wimbledon semifinals, when she upset Justine Henin.
The Last Word
The evidence is clear: Bartoli is a borderline Top 15 player and not much more. She’s capable of producing a sizable upset or deep run, of course, but once she hits her ceiling, that’s usually where she stops. The good news? Slow and steady still wins a lot of money in professional tennis.
—Ed McGrogan