TO BE OR NOT TO BE ... NO.1 IS THE QUESTION

Well said Justine Henin in the on-going discussion about the rankings and Grand Slam titles. The four most important tournaments in tennis are the four majors, the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open and any ranking system must be weighted to greatly favour those tournaments. Henin was asked her thoughts on the fact that current world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki, former No.1’s Jelena Jankovic and Dinara Safina got there without winning one of the majors ... and still haven’t claimed one. “If I have to remember something, it wasn't really that I was the best player in the world, but it's all the Grand Slams I won. That’s what gives really the emotions,” Henin said. “Of course they have been very consistent. Wozniacki is still very young.  Safina has been in trouble. Jankovic I think played a lot and also has been tired from that at a certain time of her career. “I wish them to win Grand Slams because they will feel the difference.  When I became No. 1, I was so happy because it was in 2003.  I did win the French, US Open that year, and I think it was big accomplishment, the dream of a little girl to be the best in the world. “The feelings you get at the second you win a Grand Slam, yeah, winning a Grand Slam, it's seven matches, two weeks, it's the hardest, I think. Serena proved that many times as she, you know, didn't play a lot, but in the big moments she was there.  And I think it's the most important.” The men’s tour definitely highlights the Slams with the ranking points and it’s time the women change things to reflect that as well. It is not a satisfactory situation as it is. Most believe Serena Williams was No.1 last year when she won two Slams. Wozniacki certainly was consistent but at the biggest events in the world she fell down ... not a single final. Win the majors and the ranking takes care of itself.