For the eighth year in a row, On The Line dishes out its cheers and jeers on the season that was in professional tennis. 2007's panel consists of Chris Gerby, Jerry Balsam, and the Angry Tennis Fan.

Player of the year
Newcomer of the year
Comeback of the year
Most improved player of the year
Flop of the year
Match of the year
Most memorable media moment
Nice moment of the year
Not so nice moment of the year
"Farewell, you'll be missed" award

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Player of the year

Chris G. R. Federer J. Henin

Jerry B. R. Federer J. Henin

Angry T.F. R. Federer J. Henin

Consensus: It's a clean sweep as ITF world champions Roger Federer and Justine Henin add some On The Line hardware to their crowded trophy cases.

Comments

Chris G.:
Men: Even after 203 consecutive weeks atop the rankings, Roger Federer still can't get much love from the American media. In particular, Sports Illustrated made a mockery of its Sportsman of the Year honor, inexplicably bestowing it upon Brett Favre. (Why, because this was the year he set the NFL career record for interceptions thrown?) Nevertheless, Federer remains the gold standard in men's tennis. He may have looked more vulnerable in 2007, but the Fed came through when it counted, racking up his 10th, 11th, and 12th Grand Slam titles.
Women: Justine Henin left no doubt about her WTA supremacy, ending an already stellar season with a 25 match winning streak. The battling Belgian was particularly explosive in Grand Slam finals, dropping a total of just seven games combined in lopsided title bouts at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows. It's just a shame the US Open trophy ceremony featured perpetually out-of-it Dick Enberg calling the divorcee "Justine Henin-Hardenne."

Jerry B.:
Men: Every year, even when Federer wins Wimbledon, we wonder whether this is the year Nadal leapfrogs to Number 1. And every year Roger runs away from the competition in the second half. Would it have been different this year if Djokovic had won one of those set points in the US Open final? Can Federer do it yet again in 2008, as age creeps up on him? That's why we watch the matches.
Women: Not close this year. Will Sharapova or one of the Serbs make a run at Henin's top spot in 2008?

Angry Tennis Fan.:
Men: Roger Federer. Again. Of course. Anyone with any knowledge about tennis knows this guy is already the greatest player ever. Observe the reactions when he lost a meaningless match to Pete Sampras, however. The clueless and, one fears, unwashed masses immediately demanded a recount, and suggested that Sampras could still be a threat at Wimbledon. That's as long as he does not run into George Bastl, one assumes. Note that Federer is not who made us most angry. That would probably have been Rafael Nadal. Who needs to get a whole new tennis wardrobe: underwear that does not ride up, socks that do not droop, pants that do not make him look like a cretin. And we're not too pleased about those sleeveless shirts either. Great shoes, though!
Women: Justine Henin. This makes us angry. Because we did not like how she acted in last year's Australian Open final (and we carry our grudges long times). Of course, we would have been even angrier if we'd have to give the nod to Maria Sharapova. Because, you know, her incessant shrieking upsets us.

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Newcomer of the year

Chris G. J. Isner A. Szavay

Jerry B. J. Isner A. Szavay

Angry T.F. J-W. Tsonga No pick

Consensus: John Isner's booming serve and Agnes Szavay's rapid rise in the rankings garnered enough notice to make them consensus choices here. Immensely fun to watch (and finally healthy) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also merited a vote.

Comments

Chris G.:
Men: The first time I encountered 6 foot, 9 inch John Isner (craning my neck as the then-18-year-old walked past en route to a doubles match at the 2003 US Open), I felt like an extra in a production of "Jack and the Beanstalk." The run Isner made on the ATP Tour this summer also had a certain fairy tale quality. Fresh out of college, he won third set tiebreaks on five consecutive days to reach the Washington final. The gentle giant then picked up a couple wins at the US Open before putting a scare into Roger Federer. Fans starved for an American up-and-comer will no doubt be eager to see what the huge serving North Carolina native does for an encore in his first full year on the circuit.
Women: Without question, the most impressive WTA Tour debut of 2007 was made by 18-year-old Agnes Szavay. After winning the Palermo tournament in dominant fashion in July, Szavay broke through on American soil, upsetting Daniela Hantuchova en route to the New Haven final. A month later, the Hungarian posted arguably her biggest win to date, trumping Jelena Jankovic for the title in Beijing. Szavay now finds herself in the Top 20 and acts like she belongs there, already evincing the poise of a veteran.

Jerry B.:
Men: We've yet to see whether Isner's Washington and US Open moments are for real, but we should know within a few months. Honorable mention to Donald Young, who picked up his game after a lot of observers (present company included) had given up on him.
Women: Szavay gets extra points for being from Hungary, not exactly a tennis hotbed.

Angry Tennis Fan:
Men: John Isner made us angry over the coin toss that is the third set tie breaker too often. Our pick: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. His play at Queen's was tremendous, and tremendously entertaining. He kept up his level fairly well for the rest of the year, as well.
Women: No pick

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Comeback of the year

Chris G. G. Canas L. Davenport

Jerry B. G. Canas L. Davenport

Angry T.F. No pick D. Hantuchova

Consensus: The triumphant returns of Guillermo Canas (from doping-related exile) and Lindsay Davenport (from surprisingly short-lived maternity leave) get the consensus nods here, though the Angry Tennis Fan objects.

Comments

Chris G.:
Men: The doping suspension which earned Guillermo Canas my 2005 "flop of the year" prize was reduced from two years to 15 months on appeal, but the scrappy Argentine still had to come back the hard way. He played nine consecutive challenger events, winning five of them. Upon matriculating to the main tour, "Willy" claimed a title in Brazil and became a major burr in Roger Federer's saddle, knocking off the sport's reigning king at Indian Wells and Miami.
Women: 2007 may very well have been the year of the mother in women's tennis. Sybille Bammer rocketed into the Top 20, Rossana de los Rios experienced a late career resurgence, and Lindsay Davenport won a title just three months after giving birth. Davenport's stunning accomplishment in Bali becomes all the more remarkable when one remembers that she's already on the wrong side of 30. By that age, most players call it a career even if they haven't gone through the physical transformation of pregnancy. Against all odds, Jagger's mom looks like a force to be reckoned with in 2008.

Jerry B.:
Men: 15th in the world and two wins over Federer are impressive. The less said about why the comeback was necessary, the better.
Women: The proof will be in the pudding of 2008, but Davenport certainly gives every sign of being serious. I guess we retract the 2006 farewell in any event. (For North American readers: Maybe this gets reviewed with Roger Clemens's Cy Young Awards.)

Angry Tennis Fan:
Men: Not Guillermo Canas. What's up with all those Argentinians being caught doping? Not Nicolas Kiefer, either. Because he just does not deserve any sort of award, ever (after what he did in his match against Sebastien Grosjean at last year's Australian Open).
Women: Daniela Hantuchova. After winning Indian Wells many years ago, she pretty much went away. This year she came back and started to look like a contender again, adding a second Indian Wells title. She wasn't without her flaws -- she so should have won that match against Serena I-have-cramps-but-let's-pretend-we-don't-already-know-that-so-we-can-draw-out-the-injury-timeout Williams at Wimbledon.

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Most improved player of the year

Chris G. N. Djokovic A. Ivanovic

Jerry B. N. Djokovic M. Bartoli

Angry T.F. N. Djokovic A. Ivanovic

Consensus: The small nation of Serbia made a big impression on the tennis stage this year, with Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic making award-winning breakthroughs. Unlikely Grand Slam finalist Marion Bartoli picks up the lone dissenting vote.

Comments

Chris G.:
Men: Three's a crowd at the top of the ATP heap now that Federer and Nadal have been joined by Novak Djokovic. Still just a teenager when 2007 began, the Serbian really came into his own, notching five titles and venturing deep into the second week of the last three Grand Slam events. With a penchant for whipping off his shirt and a Bjorkman-esque flair for impersonations, Djokovic has also injected some welcome doses of personality into the game's upper tier.
Women: Inconsistency stunted Ana Ivanovic's progress a tad in 2006, as her year end ranking merely crept up from 16 to 14. A year later, Ivanovic is the world's number four and a bona fide contender on all surfaces. In addition to booking a surprise spot in the French Open final, Ivanovic claimed trophies in Berlin, Los Angeles, and Luxembourg. The fighting spirit Ana displayed throughout the year was best showcased in that Luxembourg final, as she rallied from a 6-3, 3-0 deficit against Daniela Hantuchova.

Jerry B.:
Men: Djokovic doesn't do anything eye-popping, but he's very solid all around. Honorable mention to Ivo Karlovic, since players don't generally make such strides at his age.
Women: You don't expect players who hit the ball the way Bartoli does to make the Wimbledon final or the Top Ten.

Angry Tennis Fan:
Men: Novak Djokovic. Became a contender. Perhaps counter-intuitively, we think this will probably help Roger Federer stay number one -- easier to do that when the rest-of-the-points are divided between two players instead of just Rafael Nadal.
Women: Ana Ivanovic. She can totally smack a tennis ball! And not even have it fly way long every other shot! And of course, women's tennis being what it is, she looks fantastic.

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Flop of the year

Chris G. M. Safin M. Hingis

Jerry B. M. Ancic A. Mauresmo

Angry T.F. E. De Villiers A. Mauresmo

Consensus: The booby prize is split three ways on the men's side, while the annus horribilis suffered by Amelie Mauresmo scores top dishonors among the women.

Comments

Chris G.:
Men: Most of the year's precipitous ranking drops came with legitimate explanations: Mario Ancic was sidelined with mono; Xavier Malisse and Paradorn Srichaphan were felled by wrist injuries; Dominik Hrbaty unwisely tried to play through elbow woes. What, pray tell, was Marat Safin's excuse? One of the three or four most talented players in the universe, Safin squandered yet another season in what should be the prime of his career. Between repeated grumblings about flagging confidence and a mid-season mountain climbing excursion, the mercurial Russian clearly had his head in the clouds.
Women: The feel good story Martina Hingis authored in 2006 became a full fledged nightmare in 2007. Injuries played a part, but Hingis looked sluggish and outgunned when she did take the court, crashing out before the quarterfinals in her last eight events. Then came the sudden, shocking news that she was re-retiring after tested positive for cocaine. Whether she's guilty of the drug charges or not, it was undoubtedly a year to forget for the Swiss Miss.

Jerry B.:
Men: Illness and injury knocked Mario Ancic down in 2007, but maybe he'll be the comeback player of 2008. (Dis)honorable mention to Marat Safin.
Women: Like Ancic, Mauresmo is a comeback candidate for 2008.

Angry Tennis Fan:
Men: Etienne de Viliers. Not even a player! But he was one major flop. Most glaring was of course the round-robin fiasco. We think he can also fairly still be blamed for the idiotic rule changes that were made to the doubles. His attitude has been wrong from pretty much when he took over as chairman of the ATP, announcing on the BBC that he thought the rules needed to change -- when in reality the marketing needed to improve.
Women: Amelie Mauresmo was disappointing, unable to follow up on her successes last year. She kept losing to much-lower-ranked Lucie Safarova ... although such a thing can sometimes happen. Of course, as of this writing Mauresmo is ranked 18, and Safarova 23, no longer much-lower-ranked.

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Match of the year

Chris G. Isner vs Monfils, Washington Clijsters vs Jankovic, Sydney

Jerry B. Djokovic vs Stepanek, US Open S Williams vs Henin, Miami

Angry T.F. Federer vs Roddick, Australian Open No pick

Consensus: None whatsoever!

Comments

Chris G.:
Men: There were plenty of strong contenders for this prize, but my vote goes to a Saturday night special in Washington, D.C. The stats tell part of the story: John Isner and Gael Monfils combined to produce a staggering 135 winners (versus just 40 unforced errors) in three sets. However, you really had to see their epic, nail-biting semifinal clash to appreciate its electric atmosphere. Monfils was at his fiery, flashy best, but 416th-ranked wild card Isner held him at bay, to the delight of a boisterous crowd. Monfils finally secured the first service break of the night for a 6-5 lead in the final set...only to see Isner break right back and charge to a 6-7, 7-6, 7-6 win.
Women: If there was a better match played in 2007 (or 2006, for that matter) on the WTA Tour than the Kim Clijsters-Jelena Jankovic final in Sydney, I didn't see it. An absolutely rollicking capacity crowd roared in support of adopted favorite "Aussie Kim" as she saved a match point in the second set and rolled to a 4-0 lead (with points for 5-0) in the third. Jankovic had her own passel of exuberant Serbian supporters, however, and they spurred a spirited comeback attempt. Merely watching the sheer athleticism and determination on offer in their myriad all-court rallies was almost exhausting! After Clijsters finally closed out a 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 victory, the smiling combatants exchanged a heartfelt hug at the net and soaked in a supremely well earned standing ovation.

Jerry B.:
Men: Djokovic d. Stepanek, 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 5-7 7-5 7-6(2), US Open, 2d round. I had the pleasure of seeing this one in person, which enhanced the experience considerably. This match was not merely close and dramatic; both players played well. Stepanek's net-rushing courage made for a good contrast in styles.
Women: S. Williams d. Henin, 0-6 7-5 6-3, Miami, final. When two winners of multiple majors meet in a final and the ultimate winner comes back from match points down, that is noteworthy.

Angry Tennis Fan:
Men: For quality, Federer-Roddick, quarter finals, Australian Open. Roddick had said before the tournament that he felt he and Roger were getting closer. Commentators concluded he must have meant "as friends", because the tennis sure wasn't close. The second set of that match can stand as a clinic for evermore. For excitement, the Wimbledon final was tough to beat, although we must be angered by whatever changes were made to the hallowed grass that made it possible for Rafael Nadal to even reach the final.
Women: No pick.

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Most memorable media moment

Chris G. Gimelstob/Roddick post-match US Open

Jerry B. McEnroe/Agassi commentary US Open

Angry T.F. BBC rain delays Wimbledon

Consensus: With a pair of nods (albeit for different moments), USA Network's coverage of the US Open prevails here. Take that, ESPN!

Comments

Chris G.:
Playing in his 13th and final US Open, Justin Gimelstob got a farewell showcase, losing his Grand Slam singles swan song to Andy Roddick under the lights in Arthur Ashe Stadium. After the match, USA Network's Michael Barkann allowed the aspiring broadcaster to take the microphone and interview Roddick. The results were -- much like Gimelstob's playing career -- greatly entertaining and more than a little awkward. "What do you think were the keys to the match," queried Justin, "besides you being way better than me?"

Jerry B.:
John McEnroe and Andre Agassi calling the Federer-Roddick match at the US Open. Just because they're retired doesn't mean that McEnroe and Agassi are finished with the spotlight.

Angry Tennis Fan.:
All that time the BBC Wimbledon crew once again had to fill with inane chatter, because it is taking the All England Club five years to build a damn roof. Those people sure earn their salaries. The BBC crew, not the roof builders.

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Nice moment of the year

Chris G. J. Murray/J. Jankovic Wimbledon mixed champions B. Mattek/S. Mirza Reach US Open quarters

Jerry B. A. Clement Wins Wimbledon doubles J. Henin Reconciles with family

Angry T.F. R. Gasquet Wimbledon QF upset D. Hantuchova 2nd Indian Wells title

Consensus: It's another multi-pronged jumble, but all three judges had their hearts warmed by something or other at Wimbledon.

Comments

Chris G.:
Men: Who would have guessed Andy Murray's little-known older brother Jamie would be the first member of the family to win a Wimbledon title? Better yet, who would have imagined it coming via an impromptu mixed doubles partnership with Jelena Jankovic? Before taking the court for the first time with Murray, Jankovic declared in a press conference, "I'm not a good doubles player. I don't think I'm going to be useful for him. He made a bad choice, I think." Nine days later, the flirtatious duo had charmed its way into the hearts of the British public and played its way into the annals of Wimbledon history. The closing ceremony -- in which Jankovic demanded a kiss on the cheek from Jamie and nearly conked him on the head with her trophy -- was the last in a series of moments nice enough to secure this award under either gender heading.
Women: While Murray/Jankovic was 2007's most entertaining combination in mixed doubles, Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek can claim that distinction in women's doubs. The irreverent Indian trailblazer and her sartorially adventurous pal from the States make for an ideal pair in a sport that thrives on charismatic rebellion. After winning a title together in Cincinnati, Mattek and Mirza thrilled a capacity crowd on the US Open's Grandstand court as they eliminated 2nd-seeded Lisa Raymond and Samantha Stosur. Here's hoping this spunky young team finds continued success...and some more wacky outfits for Bethanie, whose leopard prints, shiny headbands, and plunging necklines seemed to scandalize everyone but Sania.

Jerry B.:
Men: A tour veteran, Arnaud Clement, picks up his first major title, winning the Wimbledon men's doubles with Michael Llodra. Honorable Mention: Mark Knowles and Daniel Nestor, a divorced doubles team, reunites to the win the Tennis Masters Cup.
Women: Justine Henin's reconciliation with her family. The tennis world has warmed to Henin, and one can only wish her well in light of the trying experiences she has undergone.

Angry Tennis Fan:
Men: Richard Gasquet coming good in the quarter final at Wimbledon against Andy Roddick. Also see: not so nice moment of the year.
Women: Daniela Hantuchova winning her second title, and her second title at Indian Wells. She seems a thoroughly nice person, with some thoroughly gigantic demons (when it comes to tennis, at least). It was great to see her conquer those demons and add a second title.

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Not so nice moment of the year

Chris G. Round robin debacle, Las Vegas S. Williams, US Open press conference

Jerry B. N. Davydenko, Suspicious Sopot loss M. Hingis, Wimbledon drug test

Angry T.F. A. Roddick, Wimbledon QF defeat S. Williams, Wimbledon cramps

Consensus: A variety of ills plagued the men's circuit, while Serena Williams played a part in two of the three WTA picks.

Comments

Chris G.:
Men: Among the mostly clueless attempts ATP chairman Etienne de Villiers has made to jazz up the sport of tennis, the most spectacularly boneheaded was the introduction of round robin play into full field tournaments. Anyone who thought about the concept for more than a minute would have realized it was doomed to fail...and fail it did at the Tennis Channel Open in Las Vegas. There was considerable confusion over the format's quirky rules when Evgeny Korolev advanced to the quarterfinals over James Blake. Eliminated in part because his second win came in an injury-shortened match, Blake immediately kicked up a fuss. De Villiers intervened via phone, ordering the tournament to send the fan favorite into the next round ahead of Korolev, citing some balderdash about what "would have happened" in the controversial Blake match! A virtual revolt by the other players followed and cooler heads prevailed overnight, as De Villiers reversed his inane decision and allowed Korolev to advance. The round robin experiment subsequently came to a merciful end, but the damage to the sport's credibility had already been done. You know tennis needs a commissioner when the president of the men's tour is whimsically making up the rules as he goes along.
Women: On the court, Serena Williams was back with a vengeance in 2007, winning the Australian Open and returning to the Top 10 after virtually disappearing for a year. Off court, alas, it was the same old Serena. Justine Henin put on a comprehensive clinic in her 7-6, 6-1 win over Williams at the US Open, but you wouldn't have known it from Serena's graceless post-match comments. "I just think she made a lot of lucky shots," muttered the sullen American, who proceeded to mumble her way through a series of brief, evasive, self-centered answers. Williams eventually admitted she only showed up in the press room because she "can't afford to pay the fines." Sure, Serena, we'll take up a collection for you.

Jerry B.:
Men: Vassalo Arguello d. Davydenko, 2-6 6-3 2-1 ret., Sopot, 2d round. Say no more.
Women: It's hard to believe Martina Hingis would be doing blow during the biggest tournament of the year. If so, it's a sad moment. If the test results were erroneous, it's even worse.

Angry Tennis Fan:
Men: Andy Roddick losing a big lead in the Wimbledon quarter finals against Richard Gasquet. Gasquet started playing incredible tennis in the last three sets, but Roddick should have found a way to win that match. We felt for him -- as we pretty much do every time he plays Federer. After all, Roddick is a fine player, who surely would have won more than one Grand Slam title by now if it had not been for Federer. But when he plays Roger, he looks pretty much entirely clueless.
Women: Serena Williams being allowed 8 minutes for cramps in her Wimbledon match against Hantuchova. We all knew she had cramps, which should have meant that she would be d efaulted if she took more than 3 minutes to get treatment. Instead, the trainer took 5 minutes to determine she had cramps and 3 more to treat them. This was a farce nearly as bad as the triple-injury-with-a-cherry-on-top Mary Pierce took at the US Open in 2005.

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Farewell, you'll be missed

Chris G. J. Gimelstob K. Clijsters

Jerry B. T. Henman K. Clijsters

Angry T.F.. W. Arthurs K. Clijsters / C. Morariu / P. Suarez

Consensus: Three likable net rushers get fond sendoffs on the men's side, while the absence of Kim Clijsters resonates nearly eight months after her retirement announcement.

Comments

Chris G.:
Men: Justin Gimelstob's spindly legs and balky back couldn't quite carry the weight of expectations when he was called upon to lead a post-Sampras generation of American contenders. His game was so limited, in fact, that he considered the airborne, diving volley a high percentage play. The big kid from Jersey certainly made an impression, though, providing countless hours of entertainment with his antics, outbursts, never-say-die perseverance, and self-deprecating wit. Engaging characters like Gimelstob are the lifeblood of the sport, so he most certainly will be missed.
Women: The end came far too soon for Kim Clijsters. Citing chronic injuries and a desire to start a family, the popular Belgian waved goodbye to tennis at age 23. Despite the abbreviated nature of her career, Clijsters leaves behind quite a resume, having won 34 singles titles and 11 doubles titles while reaching the pinnacle of the world rankings in both disciplines. Perhaps more importantly, Kim was a six-time winner of the Karen Krantczke Sportsmanship Award. When the most common knock against an elite athlete is the notion that she's "too nice," you can guarantee she'll be missed.

Jerry B.:
Men: Tim Henman never quite fulfilled the hopes of the British fans, but he gave them many a thrill, and he played a visually appealing game.
Women: Too nice to be a killer, perhaps, but Clijsters won a major along the way and made lots of friends.

Angry Tennis Fan.:
Men: Tim Henman. No, just kidding. Our pick: Wayne Arthurs. His serve may have been most of what game he had, but it was a thing of tremendous beauty.
Women: Kim Clijsters, Paola Suarez, and Corina Morariu. We're a bit angry that Clijsters would call it a career so early, but she seems to have done it for all the right reasons.

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On The Line wishes you a very Happy New Year of tennis in 2008