Power Ranking the Top 20 Women After the 2013 French Open

The 2013 French Open ended exactly as many predicted with world No. 1 Serena Williams holding the Coupe de Suzanne Lenglen trophy, smiling, for all the world to see.

Gone until 2014 are players caked in red clay, dampened by the persistent rain. The tour moves on to Wimbledon with its pristine lawns and its fast tennis courts.

While many top players finished strong in Paris, former champs like Li Na and Samantha Stosor failed to live up to expectations. Sloan Stephens, Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Jamie Hampton reached the fourth round of the French, giving an unusual but brief nod to the plucky Americans.

This ranking not only considers players who finished strong in Paris but also those with a demonstrated ability to do well on the grass. The weight of the ranking looks forward instead of back. 

Given those parameters, see who makes the top of this list.

No. 20. Tsvetana Pironkova

WTA Rankings: 66

Why She's Here: It is hard to imagine just why Tsvetana Pironkova made this listing. Obviously it is based solely on expectations and past results at the All-England Club. The Bulgarian has excelled there in the past. Her results on clay, on the other hand, continue to be abysmal. Obviously, she has no "power" coming into the grass court season. But the 25-year-old holds promise for the rest of the year.

Final French Open Analysis: Ranked world No. 59, Pironkova fell in the first round to up-and-coming Canadian Eugenie Bouchard 6-1, 7-6. It was disappointing to say the least, but not out of the ordinary for the Bulgarian who's never enjoyed success on clay. Pironkova has never advanced beyond the second round in Paris because her game is not suited to clay.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: Pironkova reached the Wimbledon semifinals in an astounding run. In 2010 she took out Venus Williams in the quarterfinals during a huge upset on Centre Court. She was one step from reaching her first Grand Slam final when Russian Vera Zvonareva stopped her. The Bulgarian reached the quarters in 2011 but fell in the second round to world No. 1 Maria Sharapova last year. Pironkova will try to redeem her season by doing well at Wimbledon in 2013.  

No. 19 Francesca Schiavone

WTA Ranking: 45

Why She's Here: At age 32, soon to be 33, Schiavone is nearing the end of her career. With her fast feet and deft hands, Schiavone has some real weapons at her disposal, so far under-utilized on grass courts. As she grapples with an ever-receding ranking, Schiavone continues to unleash her fire and determination every time she walks on court

Final French Open Analysis: The former French Open champ could not get past the No. 3 seed Victoria Azarenka in the fourth round. She did, however, send the never-say-die Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli packing in Round 3. Advancing to the round of 16 considering the strength and depth of this year's draw is still a major accomplishment.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: With her ability to scramble and her success in doubles, Schiavone has considerable potential at this year's Wimbledon Championship. Last year she advanced to the fourth round where she lost to defending champion Petra Kvitova. With time running out, the feisty Italian will be looking to find success on Centre Court by making it into the final eight during the second week of the fortnight.

No. 18. Jamie Hampton

WTA Ranking: 42

Why She's Here: She's only been competing on tour less than four years, but Jamie Hampton showed her true potential at this year's French Open by advancing to the fourth round. There she lost to former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic. Her fourth-round appearance was a shocker because she had to go through big and powerful Petra Kvitova to get there.

Final French Open Analysis: To say Hampton exceeded expectations at this year's French Open is a gross understatement. Her third-round defeat of the No. 7 seed and former Wimbledon champ Kvitova was huge. What's more, Hampton did it in straight sets. 

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: The 23-year-old American played her first Wimbledon in 2012, advancing only as far as the second round. This year expect Hampton to go much further in the draw at the All-England Club.

No. 17 Bethanie Mattek-Sands

WTA Ranking: 55

Why She's Here: Bethanie Mattek-Sands has been on fire in 2013. The 28-year-old American is enjoying a huge resurgence in tennis after injury kept her sidelined for months. She knocked off the No. 6 seed Li Na of China in the second round to announce her second coming on the grounds of Stade Roland Garros.

Final French Open Analysis: Needless to say, no one expected to be talking about Mattek-Sands during Week 2. But the American, after sending former French Open champ Li Na back home, advanced to the fourth round where she faced the No. 12 seed Maria Kirilenko. Leading 4-1 in the opening set, Mattet-Sands watched helplessly as her lead dwindled away. Sending for the trainer did not help. She lost the match, but far exceeded expectations in Paris this year.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: With her ability to serve well and cover the court, expect Mattek-Sands to continue her best season ever campaign at Wimbledon. Although she's not enjoyed many victories there in the past, she has momentum and desire backing her now. 

No. 16. Roberta Vinci

WTA Ranking: 11

Why She's Here: Roberta Vinci was marching through the draw at this year's French Open when she was stopped dead in her tracks in the fourth round by Serena Williams. After reaching the French Open doubles final in 2012, Vinci knows how to play on clay. But no one advanced past Serena in 2013. No one.

Final French Analysis: Vinci played up to expectations at this year's Grand Slam tournament held on the grounds of Roland Garros. The Italian defeated lower-ranked opponents but lost to Serena Williams just as everyone expected. The Italian can scramble and never hesitates to move quickly to the net which helped her reach the French Open doubles final. But it did nothing to assist her when she faced the American juggernaut in women's singles.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: Vinci reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2012 where she lost to a red hot Tamira Paszek. It was the furthest she'd ever advanced at the All-England Club—in fact any Grand Slam tournament in singles until she fought her way in to the 2012 US Open quarterfinals. This year may see her take another step into the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. Or, perhaps, beyond.

No. 15. Sloane Stephens

WTA Ranking: 17

Why She's Here: Among US women, Sloane Stephens remains one of the preeminent hopefuls. Ranked in the top 20 and on everyone's list of players to watch, she entered this year's French Open with a few question marks. During the fortnight, however, Stephens was able to brush those concerns aside, advancing deep into her section of the draw. Her path ahead this season looks very rosy.

Final French Open Analysis: Stephens actually surpassed her seeding early by getting past the No. 16 seed Dominika Cibulkova in the second round. The American continued to advance until she faced the No. 2 seed Maria Sharapova in the fourth round. Sharapova proved to be too much for Stephens this time. But the American fulfilled the expectations set for her at this year's French.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: Last year Stephens played in the main draw of Wimbledon for the first time. There she battled with Sabine Lisicki for three sets before falling in the third round. This was an auspicious beginning for the teenager whose on-court prowess had already captured attention. She will aim for more in 2013 and may no doubt achieve it. Experience will serve her well in the future.

No. 14. Marion Bartoli

WTA Ranking: 15

Why She's Here: Even when the Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli seems down and out, she finds a way to bounce back and surprise everyone. With her unorthodox style including a two-handed backhand and forehand, Bartoli is an analyst's delight to cover. Her matches are never easy and they are never dull. She brings something completely new to the game every time she walks on court. With no one expecting her to win, she finds a way to surprise you and her opponents.

Final French Open Analysis: After reaching the French Open semifinals in 2011, Bartoli departed early the past two seasons. She exited in the second round in 2012 and in Round 3 this year, dismissed by feisty Italian Francesca Schiavone. No one expected much from the Frenchwoman during this year's tournament, and in that respect, she did not disappoint. Her on-court fire was sadly missing in 2013.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: In 2007 Bartoli reached the finals where she battled Venus Williams for the Wimbledon Championship. In 2011 the Frenchwoman advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals. But 2012 saw her early dismissal in Round 2. To date, Bartoli's year has been flat and her ranking seems on the verge of flat-lining as well. She needs something to turn her around and fire up that overflowing reserve of confidence and will to win. The 2013 Wimbledon Championships may prove to be her turning point, again.

No. 13. Sara Errani

WTA Ranking: 5

Why She is Here: Sara Errani is an explosive scrambler on court whose competitive attitude has won her countless matches as well as fans. She continues to impress as she climbs to the top of the women's game in singles and in doubles. Her finesse and touch at the net enhance her arsenal of shots and angles. The hustling Italian has won a spot in the top five with her consistent play.

Final French Open Analysis: In 2013 she once again marched through her draw at the French Open to reach the semifinals where her quest would end. There she was destroyed on court by in-form Serena Williams who left Errani no wiggle room at all. Suffering a 6-0, 6-1 defeat had to affect the former French Open finalist who had dreams of conquering Stade Roland Garros—winning the championship in both women's singles and doubles. She did neither, but in the process proved why she is ranked so highly in both divisions.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: At Wimbledon, Errani has never advanced beyond the third round. Grass is not a surface the Italian has mastered as proficiently as she has clay and hard courts. While Errani gets a lot of first serves into the court, she does not have the power necessary to make her serves effective, especially on the grass. That has hurt her on this surface. Wimbledon remains the only Grand Slam tournament where Errani has not reached the final eight. Maybe 2013 will see her change that. Certainly, no one will try harder than Errani to make it so.

No. 12. Svetlana Kuznetsova

WTA Ranking: 27

Why She's Here: After taking a self-imposed sabbatical from the game, Svetlana Kuznetsova is back and getting better than ever. Her march through the draw at this year's French Open was impressive, reminding us all of how she won this event back in 2009. The rest of the season offers much promise to the 27-year-old Russian whose love of the game was missing for far too long. Now, she's back and playing tennis with fire and confidence once again.

Final French Open Analysis: Coming into the French were a few question marks concerning the state of the Russian's clay-court game. After reaching the quarterfinals at Estoril and the round of 16 in Madrid, Kuznetsova went out in the first round in Rome. Not exactly an inspiring lead-in to the French. So there were doubts coming into Paris. But they did not last long. Upending Angelique Kerber in the fourth round, Kuznetsova advanced to the semifinals where she gave Serena Williams the toughest fight of the tournament, stealing a set and the momentarily the momentum of the match. But Kuznetsova couldn't hold her down forever and Serena fought back to win. Kuznetsova proved, however, that she could play this game on clay as well as anybody today.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: She's never advanced beyond the quarterfinals at the All-England Club and that was way back in 2007. Last year the Russian fell in the first round of Wimbledon. But this is a newly invigorated Kuznetsova who has everything to gain by continuing to go after her shots, being aggressive and pounding opponents into the dirt, so to speak. Don't count her out—she'll make the second week of action at Wimbledon in 2013.

No. 11. Li Na

WTA Ranking: 6

Why She's Here: Li Na should be ranked higher but her early round dismissal in Paris plus her gradual decline in 2013 have put a damper on her future prospects. After reaching the finals in Melbourne and the finals in Stuttgart, Li Na's clay-court season went from good to bad in the blink of an eye which was disappointing to watch. With growing concern in her camp, the lady from China will try to regroup and return to her winning ways, starting on grass. 

Final French Open Analysis: Li Na lost in the second round to surging American Bethanie Mattek-Sands who ran all the way to the fourth round. The loss was as astounding as it was disappointing for Li Na's legion of fans. The former French Open champ was touted as one of the early favorites to win again. She fell well below expectations at this year's French.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: Li Na has reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals a couple of times in 2004 and again in 2010. Last year she exited early at the hands of Sorana Cirstea of Romania in the second round. This year she will seek to move beyond that and into the second week of competition. Now is the time when the personable Li Na needs to refocus and redouble her efforts, trying to salvage such a great start to this season. For her, it all begins at Wimbledon.

No. 10. Jelena Jankovic

WTA Ranking: 16

Why She's Here: Like her countrywoman Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic is turning back the hands of time to recapture her form and her ranking. Once ranked world No. 1 briefly in 2008, Jankovic saw her tennis fortunes fall as the power hitters surged past her. After years of tinkering with her game, the Serb is finally showing why she deserves to be noted as one of the top players in the women's game. 

Final French Open Analysis: This year. as the No. 18 seed, Jankovic was drawn into Maria Sharapova's quarter of the draw. She advanced all the way to the quarterfinals where she met the defending champion and severely tested her for a spot in the semifinals. Even though Jankovic took the first set, Sharapova came back for the win. It was Jankovic's best finish since reaching the semifinals in 2010. The Serb played with determination and aggression on each and every point, which leads us to believe she is back.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: For the past two seasons, Jankovic has been excused from the Wimbledon lawns during the first round. She has never reached the quarterfinals of this Grand Slam event in seven tries. Hopefully, with her new and improved outlook and ability, this will be the year Jankovic succeeds in reaching the final eight at Wimbledon.

No. 9. Sabine Lisicki

WTA Ranking: 26

Why She's There: This German player comes alive on the grass. Sabine Lisicki's results have been phenomenal since 2011 when she ran through her section of the draw to reach the Wimbledon semifinals as a wild-card entry. Recent injures have kept her down and out but if she's healthy, Lisicki is someone the top seeds will hope to avoid in the early rounds. Her powerful ground strokes hit deep into the court are some of the best in the game. If she's on and healthy, you simply cannot overlook her.

Final French Open Analysis: Clay has never really been Lisicki's thing. It requires patience and often slow, deliberate play—ingredients often lacking in the German's game repertoire. But this year she advanced to the third round of the French, which has been her best finish yet. So perhaps the German is absorbing the nuances of playing clay-court tennis. In that respect, she exceeded expectations in Paris.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: Assuming she is healthy again, Lisicki will be eager to begin her adventure on the grass of Wimbledon hoping to strike gold again. In 2013 she'll aim to reach the finals. In 2011 she lost out to Maria Sharapova who moved onto the championship round. In last year's tournament she faltered in the quarterfinals, losing to fellow German Angelique Kerber. This year Lisicki will try to scale the heights again utilizing that big serve and those huge groundstrokes. 

No. 8. Ana Ivanovic

WTA Ranking: 12

Why She's Here: You have to admire the spirit and determination of Ana Ivanovic as she continues to wage war on her nerves and her inconsistent forehand. The former world No. 1 and former French Open champ has battled her way back. Now she stands, knocking on the door for a spot in the women's top ten. Her rise back into form has often been painful to watch, but exhilarating at the same time. 2013 could well be the season she finally announces her return to the top of the game.

Final French Open Analysis: After winning the title in 2008, Ivanovic has fought valiantly to return to the finals in Paris. This year she made it through the third round. In the fourth, however, she fell to world No. 4 Agnieszka Radwanksa in straight sets. But it was her best result in Paris since 2009 and must be regarded as a step forward as her game continues to improve.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: In 2012 Ivanovic reached the fourth round at Wimbledon where she lost to the No. 2 seed Victoria Azarenka. While grass has never yielded the best results for the Serbian, expect her to be energized and ready to battle player and the elements. Her goal will be to improve upon her fourth round finish a year ago. That means reaching her first-ever quarterfinal at the All-England Club.

No 7. Maria Kirilenko

WTA Ranking: 10

Why She's Here: Since giving up her doubles career to concentrate on singles, Maria Kirilenko has seen her tennis fortunes improve dramatically, reaching into the WTA top ten in 2013—which is where the Russian sits today. She had her best ever result in Paris and hopes to equal or exceed her 2012 Wimbledon best.

Final French Open Analysis: Kirilenko advanced to this year's quarterfinals in Paris. There she lost to the No. 3 seed Victoria Azarenka in straight sets after hanging tough in the opener. But this was her best result to date in Paris and she should be pleased with that after going out in the second round in 2012. 

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: Last year the "other blond Russian" reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals where she was dismissed by Agnieszka Radwanska in a thrilling three-set match. The experience of her success at the All-England Club must have Kirilenko anxious and ready to scale those heights again, reaching the quarterfinals and beyond in 2013. Ambition and will to win run deep in Kirilenko.

No. 6. Angelique Kerber

WTA Ranking: 7

Why She's Here: Angelique Kerber leads an extremely strong and deep contingent of German players on tour. Throughout most of the past two years, she's remained in the top 10 of women's tennis because of her preparation for matches and her consistent play. You can never count her out of a point or a match. She may not be flashy on court, but she usually gets the job done.

Final French Open Analysis: After reaching the quarterfinals in Paris in 2012, Kerber was ejected in the fourth round by former French Open champ Svetlana Kuznetsova who caught fire at this year's French. Kerber extended her to three sets, but the Russian prevailed. The German played well, but not good enough. On the other hand, Kuzentsova was in rare form, reminiscent of her former glory days.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: Setting aside her disappointment in Paris, Kerber comes into the grass season and Wimbledon with room to grow. So far, 2013 has not brought her much glory. Here is a chance to redeem her season. In 2012 she reached the semifinals at the All-England Club, losing to eventual finalist Agnieszka Radwanska. This year she needs to do equally as well or better.

No 5. Petra Kvitova

WTA Ranking: 8

Why She's Here: The big-serving Czech arrived here because she ran away with the Wimbledon title in 2011 and has the game to do it again. Sporting a 27-13 record coming into Wimbledon, Petra Kvitova seems to be emerging from the shell-shock of winning her first major in 2011. The following year brought reversals and disappointment because the Czech put too much pressure on herself to win. Now, safely tucked under the radar, Kvitova can concentrate on what she does best—winning on grass.

Final French Open Analysis: Ultimately, her early dismissal in the third round of the French Open by world No. 54 Jamie Hampton was a shocker. After sleep-walking through the first set, Kvitova fought back hard taking the second set to a tiebreak, but it was too late. This was disappointing after reaching the semifinals a year ago in Paris. But she will put the loss behind her and move onto the grass courts looking forward to familiar and well-loved green lawns.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: In 2012, as the defending champion, Kvitova met former champion Serena Williams in the quarterfinals. This proved to be her undoing, losing that match to Williams who would go on to win the championship match. Three of Kvitova's five appearances have seen her reach the quarterfinals, the semifinals, plus winning the title in 2011. This year may well bring her a second title at the All-England Club.

No. 4. Agnieszka Radwanska

WTA Ranking: 4

Why She's Here: Agnieszka Radwanska advanced to her first quarterfinal at the French Open in 2013. It has been a good year. First she reached the quarterfinals at the 2013 Australian Open. Her record at Wimbledon gives her another step up in this power ranking. Radwanska reached her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon in 2012. She is definitely learning how to play her best tennis on the biggest stages.

Final French Open Analysis: Radwanksa had few problems in her matches on clay until she reached the French Open quarterfinals where she faced last year's finalist, Sara Errani. The Pole battled hard but fell in two tough sets with a few chances to capture a set and turn things around on her own racket. Still, the quarterfinals were her best finish at the French to date and she must be pleased with that. 

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: During an amazing tournament in 2012, Radwanska reached the Wimbledon Championship round. It was her first Grand Slam final. She extended Serena Williams to three sets, which is a testament to her skill on grass. With that recent experience still safely tucked away, expect the world No. 4 to build toward another shot at the title—this time to win it all.

No. 3. Victoria Azarenka

WTA Ranking: 2

Why She's Here: Prior to reaching this year's French Open semifinals, Victoria Azarenka had never advanced beyond the quarterfinal round at Roland Garros. Coming in a bit under the radar in 2013, the lady from Belarus managed to battle her way through round after round. It seems that she rounded into peak clay form just in time. 

Final French Open Analysis: Most expected Azarenka to fall much sooner than she did based on her past appearances at Roland Garros. But the world No. 3 held her ground, never caving into extreme pressure applied by her opposition. She refused to lose until she met Sharapova in the semifinals. The Russian's superior clay-court game finally took over the match. But, Azarenka certainly exceeded everyone's expectations for her at this year's French Open.

2013 Wimbledon Open: In 2012, Azarenka reached the semifinals at Wimbledon where she lost to eventual champion Serena Williams. In fact her last two appearances have found her reaching the semifinal round. This year she'll be aiming to take that one step further, her health fully restored. Watch out for Azarenka at Wimbledon because she can actually defeat Serena Williams once in a great while.

No. 2. Maria Sharpova

WTA Ranking: 3

Why She's Here: Maria Sharapova is a fierce competitor who is determined, no matter who stands in her way, to win the match. She's fought back from injury and relearned the game from her serve down. Sharapova does not get discouraged, managing to set aside distractions and move on quickly. In other words she is a champion, regardless of the surface or the setting.

Final French Open Analysis: As last year's French Open champion, Sharapova fought all the way to the final again. No one could stop her until the final when she faced Serena Williams. Even then, she fought valiantly but could not stem the tide, losing the final in straight sets. Sharapova remained every bit the champion, not relinquishing her crown easily.

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: There is no reason to expect less from Sharapova at Wimbledon. After winning the title in 2004, Sharapova reached the final again in 2011 and last year advanced to the fourth round where she lost to Sabine Lisicki who is always dangerous on the grass. Expect Sharapova to be standing when the tournament reaches the final eight. Maybe even further depending on her draw. 

No. 1. Serena Williams

WTA Ranking: 1

Why She's Here: She just won the French Open championship for the second time. She's the No. 1-ranked player in the world. She's the defending Wimbledon champion. Where else could Serena Williams land than No. 1 in this power ranking?  Playing the best tennis of her career, Serena Williams remains second to none.

Final French Open Analysis: Constantly disappointed in Paris after winning the title at Roland Garros in 2002, Williams exited during the first round in last year's tournament. Coming into the French Open this year, there were a few doubters who wondered if Serena would prevail—but very few. Most assumed Serena would double her efforts to win this title in 2013. She did not disappoint, mowing down the opposition from the starting gun. She lost only one set during the entire tournament. 

2013 Wimbledon Outlook: The winner of five Wimbledon titles, expect Serena Williams to capture her sixth on the storied green lawns of the All-England Club in 2013. She will be the favorite going in and deservedly so. Grass is her best surface. After watching her take down everyone in Paris, the thought of facing Serena on grass should strike fear in the hearts of every player in the upcoming draw.