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
In Dubai, a tournament Peer couldn’t play in 2009 because she was denied a visa by the U.A.E., the Israeli reached the semifinals, defeating Yanina Wickmayer, Caroline Wozniacki and Li Na along the way.
Worst of 2010
Peer lost to Wozniacki at the Australian Open, Serena Williams at the French Open and Venus Williams at the U.S. Open. Nothing to get worked up about there. But the No. 13 seed lost to unseeded Angelique Kerber in the second round of Wimbledon, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Year in Review
Peer didn’t win a title this year but reached seven semis, although she won just one (in Hobart). A veteran at 23, Peer is a consummate professional who doesn’t take off matches, no matter the round or tournament. But that hasn’t translated into much late-round success. She’s won just two titles in the last four seasons, and hasn’t reached the quarters of a Slam since 2007, when she did so at the Australian and U.S. Opens.
See for Yourself
A courtside view of Peer’s match with Maria Kirilenko at the Bank of the West Classic:
The Last Word
Peer enters 2011 at a bit of a crossroads: She has a proven game, experience, and a fairly high ranking. Will titles follow? Her talent alone should keep her in the middle rounds of the biggest tournaments, but it remains to be seen if she can make the proverbial leap.
—Ed McGrogan