Tennis: Will Elena Dementieva Ever Win a Slam?

As an Elena Dementieva fan, I always hope that Dementieva will win a major.  

But let's be realistic. Will she ever win one?

Australian Open

Dementieva has been to the fourth round four times and the semifinals last year. Herwinning percentage here stands at 68 percent.  

This place is probably one of her better shots to hold the winner's trophy at a major.

Although she lost in the second round this year to Justine Henin, who was on a dream run to the finals, I think next year Dementieva will be able to make it at least past the quarters.

I wouldn't be surprised if she makes it to the finals.

French Open

Sliding on the dirt has never been one of Elena Dementieva's success stories, so I don't really see how she will win it.  

However, she made it through the second week twice: once in 2004, where she lost to Anastasia Myskina in the finals, and made it to the quarterfinals in 2008.  

Based on her current form, I believe Dementieva will make it to the 4th round.  

It's too bad for her that Clijsters and Henin, two exceptional players who can do extremely well on clay, add to the competition on the red clay.

Wimbledon

Elena Dementieva as performed extremely well the past two years at SW19, but both years she lost to a player whose name was Williams.  

Last year, Dementieva was heart-breakingly close to beating Serena, but lost 6-7 7-5 8-6, despite holding a match point.  

In 2008 she lost to Venus in straight sets. Her performance has been great here, so I predict that she will make it at least the quarters this year.

Her current winning percentage: 71 percent, based on a 29-11 win-loss record.

US Open

Dementieva lost in the second round here last year to Melanie Oudin who had a dream run to the quarters.  

This has been Dementieva's best major overall. She has been to the final once, losing to Kuznetsova, semifinals three times, and quarterfinals once. For me, this year's US Open will be Elena's best chance to win a Grand Slam.

Dementieva's best chance to win a Grand Slam title is on the hard courts at this year's US Open, and next year's Australian Open.  

And if there are two shock upsets of the Williams Sisters this year at Wimbledon, or Dementieva beats them, Elena will most likely be the one, along with Henin, to hug the Venus Rosewater Dish.

Dementieva has for a long time been considered 'the best player without a Slam.' Maybe this year or next, she will be considered a one-slam wonder.  

But isn't it better to have a slam, than not?