My predicted 2013 WTA year-end Top Ten

Serena pumped up in Brisbane 

My predicted 2013 WTA year-end Top Ten

Here are my predictions for the WTA rankings at the end of this year, which went into a bit more detail than I had anticipated. We'll see how close I get at the end of the season.

1) SERENA WILLIAMS - After her incredible second half of 2012 I fully expect the mighty American to continue her dominance in 2013. But I don't see her completing a second Serena Slam due to a possible faltering at Roland Garros, but not in the first round. I'm sure she will at least two Slams, or even three, and could surpass her 2002 haul of eight titles. 

2) VICTORIA AZARENKA - I think a strong follow-up season will see the Belarusian only surpassed by Williams. A second hard court Slam is a strong possibility, but only if Serena falters in New York. She will again reach two major finals and will surely be a semi-finalist in Paris for the first time.

3) MARIA SHARAPOVA - Although I don't see her adding a fifth major crown - yet - the Russian will reach a third Wimbledon final and push Williams hard for a set. Two other Slam semi-finals will help keep her place in the top three.

4) PETRA KVITOVA - Following an inconsistent 2012 I see the big hitting Czech making a move back up the ranks in 2013.  A second Grand Slam could well beckon on the Paris clay and she will be back in the last four at Wimbledon.

5) LI NA - With Carlos Rodriguez in her corner, and an improved return, the Chinese star could have her second year-end finish in the top 5.  Big upsets in Paris propel her to a second final on the clay in addition to quarter final finishes in Melbourne and Wimbledon.

6) CAROLINE WOZNIACKI - I see the Dane continuing her strong finish to 2012 to move her back up the top 10 in 2013. She still won't have the power to take a Slam but one semi-final and a quarter final, as well as good showings in the Premier Mandatory events, will see her approaching the top 5 once more.  

7) AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA - I believe the Pole won't quite reach the heights of 2012 but will still comfortably retain her top 10 status. A career first US Open semi-final could signal a top 5 return in 2014.

8) SAM STOSUR - I'm confident the popular Aussie will finish a fourth straight year amongst the elite.  I don't see a second Grand Slam title for her but a consistent season will see three major quarter finals and a first career win over Azarenka in Miami.

9) ANA IVANOVIC - The continuation of her resurgence could, I think, see Ivanovic complete her first top 10 year since 2008. Two major quarter finals and consistently strong results elsewhere will see the Serb back as a real force.

10) ANGELIQUE KERBER - I think the German will struggle to defend a lot of her 2012 points but will still manage to retain her place in the top 10. Quarter final finishes in Australia and France will be her best showings in the majors.