Safina

The younger sister of Marat Safin, has used her work ethic to get to where she is. Yes, she is talented but what she lacks in skill she makes up in hard work. To win this past tournament, she beat Justine Henin, Serena Williams and Dementieva. What a tough draw! Her opponent in the finals, Dementieva took down Ivanovic and Jankovic along the way. Not easy! 

These two ladies were not the clear favorites to reach the finals. Dementieva, during the course of the tournament, said "I have figured out how to win without a serve!" She knows her serve is ineffective but she makes up for it with big ground strokes and hard work. Safina using hard work as well to overcome any weakness in her game. 

What does your game lack?  Is it a serve? A major weapon? Don't be afraid to rely on your work ethic, ability to grind, or defense to pull out tough matches! If you are not the best one in clinic or youth tennis league, work hard in the next week, month, year and you will catch up or even surpass them!