2012 Top 10 WTA Grand Slam Performers

Now that the US Open has concluded, a reflection of the 2012 Grand Slam season shows a mix of promising newcomers, respected veterans and players who have made notable advancements. This list counts down the top 10 WTA athletes, ranked by the number of points they accumulated at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.  

#10: Ana Ivanovic, Serbia; 1220 Total Grand Slam Ranking Points

Former French Open Champion Ana Ivanovic made it to her first Grand Slam quarterfinal since winning in 2008 at Roland Garros. At the US Open, she proved that she may still be a threat at the majors. 

Australian Open: fourth round, 280 points

French Open: third round, 160 points

Wimbledon: fourth round, 280 points

US Open: quarterfinal, 500 points

#9: Kim Clijsters, Belgium; 1280 Total Grand Slam Ranking Points

The tennis world had high hopes for Kim Clijsters' final season. However, injuries and perhaps a bit of "senioritis" set in throughout Clijsters' season. She had the most success at The Australian Open, with a semifinal showing. The torch was truly passed as Clijsters lost to young newcomer Laura Robson at the US Open in her final match. 

Australian Open: semifinal, 900 points

French Open: Did not compete

Wimbledon: fourth round, 280 points

US Open: second round, 100 points

#8: Samantha Stosur, Australia; 1505 Total Grand Slam Ranking Points

Expectations were high in 2012 for Samantha Stosur. She entered the season as defending US Open champion and French Open finalist. Stosur played well, sporadically, but failed to make it back to a Grand Slam final this year.

Australian Open: first round, 5 points

French Open: semifinal, 900 points

Wimbledon: second round, 100 points

US Open: quarterfinal, 500 points

#7: Angelique Kerber, Germany; 1840 Total Grand Slam Ranking Points

Kerber had a breakthrough season in 2012. With wins over both Williams sisters this summer, Kerber proved effective on all surfaces. The craftily playing lefty is a top-notch counter-puncher and has plenty of upside in 2013. 

Australian Open: third round, 160 points

French Open: quarterfinal, 500 points

Wimbledon: semifinal, 900 points

US Open: fourth round, 280 points

#6: Agnieszka Radwanska, Poland; 2340 Total Grand Slam Ranking Points

The Polish star made history by becoming the first player from her nation to reach a Grand Slam final. She proved that she deserved to be a finalist by taking a set from eventual champion Serena Williams. However, her best results this year came outside of the Grand Slam. 

Australian Open: quarterfinal, 500 points

French Open: third round, 160 points

Wimbledon: final, 1400 points

US Open: fourth round, 280 points

#5: Petra Kvitova, Czech Republic; 2580 Total Grand Slam Ranking Points

Last year, Petra Kvitova was the breakthrough star with her win at Wimbledon. She had consistent performances this year, although she failed to make a Grand Slam final. She is a contender for every major tournament that she enters in 2013.

Australian Open: semifinal, 900 points

French Open: semifinal, 900 points

Wimbledon: quarterfinal, 500 points

US Open: fourth round, 280 points

#4 Sara Errani, Italy; 2960 Total Grand Slam Ranking Points

Perhaps the biggest surprise this year has been the consistent winning results from Italy's Sara Errani. The 5'1" athlete is certainly the smallest among the top 10, but she has plenty of the gusto and dedication that we have come to expect from the Italian players.

Making her first Grand Slam final at this year's French Open, Errani secured her Top 10 Singles Ranking and is currently the #1 ranked doubles player.

Australian Open: quarterfinal, 500 points

French Open: final, 1400 points

Wimbledon: third round, 160 points

US Open: semifinal, 900 points

#3: Serena Williams, USA; 4285 Total Grand Slam Ranking Points

The only player to win two Grand Slam titles this year, Williams continues to decorate her resume with Hall of Fame achievements. Her total singles Grand Slam count is now at 15, and she shows no sign of slowing down in 2013. Williams' only misstep this season was at Roland Garros, where she was defeated in the first round. 

Australian Open: fourth round, 280 points

French Open: first round, 5 points

Wimbledon: champion, 2000 points

US Open: champion, 2000 points

Tied #1: Maria Sharapova, Russia: 4580 Total Grand Slam Ranking Points

Maria Sharapova had a lot to prove in 2012. She had made it to the 2011 Wimbledon final only to be defeated by newcomer Petra Kvitova. As she entered the final of the Australian Open in January, it had been four years since Maria had won a Grand Slam title.

She lost that match to No. 1 Victoria Azarenka but would complete her career Grand Slam at The French Open. Her victory proved that her game can be effective on all surfaces and that Sharapova is still worthy of being mentioned as being among the best of her generation. 

Australian Open: finalist, 1400 points

French Open: champion, 2000 points

Wimbledon: fourth round, 280 points

US Open: semifinal, 900 points

Tied #1: Victoria Azarenka, Belarus; 4580 Total Grand Slam Ranking Points

Victoria Azarenka finally lived up to the expectations that had been placed on her for years. She became a more mentally tough player and drastically cut down on her errors. With her win at The Australian Open, she became the first woman from her country to hold that honor.

She also claimed the World No. 1 ranking. After a hard fought final at The US Open, Azarenka has proven to be Williams main competition for 2013. 

Australian Open: champion, 2000 points

French Open: fourth round, 280 points

Wimbledon: semifinal, 900 points

US Open: finalist, 1400 points