Sure her ranking may have slipped this season, injuries and frustration may have kept her from even reaching one Grand Slam quarter-final this year. But this season will prove to be her biggest warm-up to greatness.

For many, Elena Dementieva has been a very strong competitor as a top ten player ever since her 2004 dream season that saw her in two Grand Slam finals. You may think that this past season has lowered her limits but it is actually the complete opposite.

So what about her style of play? it’s great but it’s changing. Her serve is a complete disaster, but has been a complete charm of late. She works so hard in the points but usually the serve is unpredictable and drags her down. But her last tournaments have seen her serve accelerate to its potential and more importantly it has became consistent, in the good way!

Is it any wonder she has fulfilled her biggest dream of winning the Kremlin Cup, not to mention her first victory against Serena Williams? Her forehands and backhands are inspiring. She is lethal on both wings and maintains a high standard of power, which is clearly observed when she returns serves.

Many people have questioned her baseline affairs, and frequently moving in forward would help. But as time has gone by we have accepted it, simply because she is so good at it. She never seems to break sweat, always looks so resilient. She does throw in the odd drop shot and puts in her slices when on the run. Yes, if you thought Elena Dementieva was one dimensional you were sadly mistaken.

The mentality looks the most pivotal for greater success. This year she was considering retiring after extensive damage to her hips. But she got over it and takes away valuable experience of a huge downfall. But she saved a catastrophic season with her career highlight of winning the Kremlin Cup.