Svetlana Kuznetsova's poor play in Miami cost her to go down two spots in WTA Tour Singles Rankings (from 3rd to 5th). Two players own her a favor for their higher ranking - Amelie Mauresmo returns to the top three, while Kim Clijsters jumps to the 4th place. Russia still has a representative in the 10th place, but this time a different one - Anna Chakvetadze replaced Elena Dementieva. There's one person who seems to have an enormous determination to return to the prestigious top ten and that is Serena Williams. This week she has jumped from number 18 to number 11.

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In 2009 WTA will introduce the most significant changes since its formation in 1970. Their aim is to make top players compete more often, to make the season easier to follow and to minimize the number of injuries. The changes will include:

• shorter season
• creation of four mandatory events (Indian Wells, Miami, Beijing & Madrid)
• suspensions and bigger fines for those who miss certain tournaments
• reduced number of tournaments top players must play
• reorganization of top level events
• different ranking system
• 30% increase in prize money
• record investments in stadiums (especially Beijing and Madrid)
• major presence in China

(via Ana Ivanovic's site)

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New WTA rules which take effect in 2009 oblige players to take part in a number of tournaments, among which is Indian Wells. Those who refuse to compete will be subjects to sanctions (suspension from the next two premium tournaments) and big fines.

Despite all this, Serena says that chances of her returning to Indian Wells are slim to none. She is boycotting this tournament because of her bad experience in 2001, when she withdrew from the match because of what she believed were racially motivated jeers. WTA announced that they are not going to adjust the rules for individual players, while the father of Williams sisters threatens the WTA Tour that he will take legal action if it tries to force his daughters to play in this tournament.

In my opinion, Serena should move on, leave that painful experience behind, and let us enjoy her talent in as many matches as possible. She should think of all those people who support her, and not waste her energy on those who certainly don't deserve it. (photo: Wire Image)

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Bausch & Lomb Championships starts on April 2, in Amelia Island, Florida. It is played outdoors, on green clay surface. The only two players from the top 10 who will take part in this tournament are Nadia Petrova (last year's winner) and Jelena Jankovic. Let me just remind you that players with the best results in Bausch & Lomb were Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Steffi Graf who all won this tournament 3 times.

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After losing to Serena Williams in Miami final, Henin announced that she won't play in Charleston (which starts on April 9). She wants to go home and rest in order to prepare for the clay-season. She needs some treatment to fight her respiratory problems. Warsaw (April 30) will be her next tournament.

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