Angelique Kerber
Embed from Getty Images
Ended 2017: The top player of 2016 is now ranked outside the top 20 after a major dip in form in 2017.
Starting 2018: Teaming with Alexander Zverev at the Hopman Cup, where she won her opening singles match. She’ll also play in Sydney next week.
Coaching Changes: Ended her relationship with long-time coach Torben Beltz after her disappointing 2017, and is now working with Johanna Konta’s former coach Wim Fissette.
Prospects: While I don’t see a return to the number one ranking in her near future, I do expect a much stronger season from Kerber in 2018.
Maria Sharapova
Embed from Getty Images
Ended 2017: By winning her first title in almost three years in Tianjin.
Starting 2018: In Shenzhen, where she already has two wins this week.
Coaching Changes: None.
Prospects: With her doping suspension behind her, and with a higher ranking allowing her direct entry into main draws, a determined Sharapova should easily return to the top 10 this year.
Petra Kvitova
Embed from Getty Images
Ended 2017: With her usual up-and-down results. Kvitova reached the quarterfinals of the US Open and the semifinals in Beijing, but lost in the opening round of her other two tournaments to close out the year.
Starting 2018: Withdrew from Brisbane due to a viral illness, but plans to start her year in Sydney next week.
Coaching Changes: None.
Prospects: Look for a healthy Kvitova to again become a significant factor on tour this year.
Victoria Azarenka
Embed from Getty Images
Ended 2017: Did not play after Wimbledon as an ongoing custody battle prevented her from leaving California.
Starting 2018: We’re really not sure. She was forced to pull out of Auckland due to the custody battle. She has received an Australian Open wild card, but will likely need to withdraw unless the custody situation is resolved.
Coaching Changes: Michael Joyce left her team at the end of 2017, and Azarenka is currently without a coach.
Prospects: This is a big question mark until we know when the two-time major winner will be able to play again.
