The Rally: Which WTA player are you most excited to watch in 2020?

PAUL ANNACONE: I’m very curious to see how the Darren Cahill-Simona Halep reunion goes. Simona is a great player who has had a terrific career, and Darren will add huge value in helping her navigate the challenges ahead. At this stage for Halep, it’s all about her hunger level.

JIMMY ARIAS:Bianca Andreescu skyrocketed from outside the Top 100 to finish at No. 5 in the world. I am always curious how the “hunter” defends points as they become the “hunted.” Pressure reveals a

champion’s character.

JAMES BLAKE: Coco Gauff captivated the tennis world when she burst onto the scene at Wimbledon. Since then, she has proven to be one of the most composed and poised teenagers I have ever seen. With an off-season as the “next big thing” in tennis, we will see that composure tested. It will also be

interesting to see how she determines her schedule, with the limited playing opportunities she will have due to age restrictions.

JIM COURIER: I’ll be curious to follow Andreescu‘s scheduling and development. With her outgoing personality, this new star should capture the hearts and minds of new fans around the world. I also think she’ll capture more than a few titles.

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LINDSAY DAVENPORT: We are lucky to get another year of Serena Williams. Watching her chase history has been captivating, and we know she’ll go after it with even more vigor in 2020, against some established veterans and a new crop of fierce, athletic players.

MARK KNOWLES: It will be a very interesting year for Ashleigh Barty, coming off of such a banner season. On top of that, she starts the year off with her home Grand Slam in Melbourne. Can the 23-year-old, 5’5” world No. 1 handle the weight of a tennis-mad nation on her shoulders?

CHANDA RUBIN: After struggling during the middle of 2019, Naomi Osaka seems to have embraced the increased attention and expectations. With her powerful, athletic game, it will be exciting to see her try to fend off challenges from both established and emerging players.

LEIF SHIRAS: There are many remarkable stories on the WTA tour this year; you could make an argument that each of the players in the Top 15 deserve significant attention. Serena, though, remains far and away the most compelling story.

JON WERTHEIM: I am going with old reliable: Serena. For much of her career, she’s thrived absent an obvious rival. Who knew one would finally emerge in a 77-year-old Australian minister? Passion has turned into mission, and Serena has set her sights on equaling Margaret Court‘s 24-major record.