Over the past few years, tennis has been something of a revelation in Russia.

An abundance of top players have made there way out of Moscow to play around the world and become some of the top earners. In the women's game the likes of Maria Sharapova, Elena Demntieva, Nadia Petrova and Svetlana Kuznetsova have been consistently in the top 10 world rankings and competing with the biggest names in the sport. Even the Russian men are starting to build a strong presence with the likes of Nikolay Davydenko, Mikail Youzhny and Marat Safin becoming top stars.

However let's spare a thought for some of the lesser known 'new' states who are also making a name for themselves. Estonia, Ukraine and Belarus are all starting to gain respect as serious tennis nations, and one girl stands out above all of them, Belarusian beauty Victoria Azarenka.

'Azarenka should be able to avoid top seeds in the early rounds of big tournaments and should be able to break into the top 20 in the early months of the year'


Azarenka, still only 18, has made steady progress over the past couple of years, rising from outside the world's top 100 to No.92 by the end of 2006.  This year, she reached a career-high of 26 in October and currently lies in 30th place. She has wins over top players in 2007 including Martina Hingis and Sharapova, Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli and top 20 players Petrova, Sybille Bammer and Francesca Schiavone. 

A consistent Grand Slam record has helped her ranking leap.  She has reached the third round in three of the majors this past year and managed even a last 16 spot in the US Open, only losing out on a quarter-final place to former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Azarenka reached finals in Estoril and Tashkent, both of which she should of won and maybe nerves played a part in her defeats. She also had a semi-final appearance on the Prague clay courts and quarter-finals in Moscow, Los Angeles and Luxembourg, showing she can play well on any surface. With her new high ranking Azarenka should now be able to avoid having to clash with top seeds in the early rounds of big tournaments and should be able to break into the top 20 in the early months of the year. And if she can stay consistent could even challenge for a top 10 place in 2008.

The Minsk-born player has already amassed £350,000 in her short career and this looks sure to pass £500,000 in 2008, especially if she can win more Grand Slam doubles like in 2007 with compatriot Max Mirnyi. The veteran doubles specialist took Azarenka under his wing to win the 2007 US open mixed doubles.

Azarenka is one of a number of youngsters who could cause an impact on the WTA  tour in 2008 and the more experienced players will have to fight hard to stay in top on this increasingly competitve era in women's tennis.

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