Five players to follow on the 2013 WTA Tour

The new WTA season is almost upon us, with the top women ready to fire Down Under. But who might trouble the established names this year? Guy McCrea selects five teenagers set to shake it up in 2013

 

Laura Robson

It might seem strange to label Robson as 'one to watch' - especially since I already did it 12 months ago.  The British teenager is still worthy of that tag, but for different reasons. Robson finally justified the long-time hype in the second half of 2012 - Olympic mixed doubles silver, statement US Open wins over Kim Clijsters and Li Na (who is fifth favourite for the forthcoming Australian Open), and a maiden WTA final in Guangzhou.

Now ranked 53, her battle with Heather Watson for the British number one ranking is fascinating. But in the eyes of many, it's Robson who continues to hold the X-Factor. Can she deliver this year at the big WTA events? Go really deep in a Slam? We're about to find out.

 

Kristina Mladenovic

A statuesque French blonde of Serbian heritage - some thought Mladenovic, the 2009 junior world number one would have achieved more by now. Of course, it can often prove tricky to make a rapid transition to the professional ranks in the modern game.

But still a teenager and perhaps now past the growing pains that have hindered her progress, Mladenovic sits firmly inside the world's top 100 ahead of the new season. Powered by a rocket forehand, 'KiKi' - as her fans affectionately cheer her - definitely has the game to do damage on the WTA this year.

 

Yulia Putintseva

Those of you who like your dose of drama on the WTA will be keen for Putintseva to continue her progression up the ranks in 2013. The Russian-born Kazakh's relative lack of height (she is 5 foot 1) may count against her - but she can make up for it with excellent movement and a dogged, fiery temperament.

The 17-year-old certainly isn't short on confidence either. When asked what she would think if she were to be drawn against Serena Williams (the 2.48 favourite to win in Melbourne) on what will be her Australian Open main draw debut next month, Putintseva replied: 'Hopefully not... but if it happens I will try to win anyway!'

 

Donna Vekic

The photogenic Croat made her mark at the Tashkent Open in July, becoming the youngest finalist at a WTA event since 2006. Still only 16, Vekic is now up at 109 in the rankings and automatically into her first Australian Open main draw.

Her rapid rise has been masterminded by Tim Henman's former coach David Felgate - he pointedly made her switch to playing senior events last summer, believing Vekic wouldn't develop by staying on the ITF junior circuit. That fast track approach has clearly worked. Even with age eligibility rules restricting the number of WTA events she can play, Vekic has a shot to become the sort of mid-teen starlet lacking on tour in recent years.

 

Madison Keys

Keys first caught my attention back in 2009, when she won a WTA main draw match in Florida having just turned 14 years of age. Since then, this powerfully-built American has continued to make a habit of upsetting much more highly-ranked and experienced foes.

Now 17, Keys won last month's USTA Australian Open wildcard tournament for the second straight year to seal her spot in Melbourne. After Vekic, Keys is the second-youngest player inside the WTA Top 140 - but for me, the American is even more talented. Look for Keys to gain plenty more admirers with her well-drilled baseline game in 2013.

 

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