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
Pavlyuchenkova claimed the first WTA title of her five-year career in March when she won Monterrey. Prior to the event, the Russian had never reached a tour final. Entering the tournament seeded third, Pavlyuchenkova won the matches she was supposed to, cruising through the first four rounds, then defeated second-seeded Daniela Hantuchova in the final.
Worst of 2010
Pavlyuchenkova had a very consistent campaign, but could have finished the season stronger. She lost her last four matches, winning just one of nine sets. At the year-end event in Bali, she suffered her most lopsided defeat against Ana Ivanovic, who rolled her 6-0, 6-1.
Year in Review
Not yet 20, Pavlyuchenkova had the most successful season of her career in 2010. The teenager moved up 20 ranking spots and broke the Top 20 for the first time. But her success went beyond the numbers. Pavlyuchenkova is a fine clay-courter but won both her two titles on hard courts, in Monterrey and Istanbul. She also demonstrated her abilities on tennis’ biggest stages. The Russian had her best result at a Slam in Flushing Meadows, where she advanced to the fourth round before falling to Francesca Schiavone.
See for Yourself
She didn’t win the tournament, but Pavlyuchenkova played arguably her best tennis in Cincinnati. The Russian ousted four Top 20 players before Maria Sharapova halted her run in the semis. Pavlyuchenkova played her tough, too, but Sharapova earned a critical break in the third to propel her onward.
The Last Word
A former junior No. 1, Pavlyuchenkova has yet to reach elite status on the pro circuit. Though she made terrific strides this season, she continues to struggle in her head-to-head matches with top players. Until she’s able to buck that trend, she’ll linger around her current spot in the rankings.
—Brad Kallet