ESPN Search

Serena Williams dominated in the second half of 2012, but was it her best overall season? Since breaking into the tour in 1999, she has thrilled fans and put together amazing comebacks. Ravi Ubha ranks her top 10 seasons.

Kim Clijsters' comeback will add excitement to the chaotic hierarchy on the WTA Tour. But after a two-year hiatus, and the addition of a wriggling toddler, success is no guarantee.

In 2007, tennis' upper echelons dealt with match-fixing allegations, a bizarre retirement and a possible poisoning. Meanwhile, Great Britain's Lawn Tennis Association had its own mini-crises.

Like Jennifer Capriati and Martina Hingis, Nicole Vaidisova was a child prodigy. The powerful Czech has struggled with her emotions ala a young Roger Federer. We all know how it turned out for Roger, though. As for Vaidisova, the jury is still out.