Tennis dreamed big in 2015, with Serena Williams coming agonizingly close to the first Grand Slam in 27 years. Even when she faltered, the excellent story lines did not, as Flavia Pennetta seized the chance to fulfill her dreams by winning the United States Open — her first major singles title — at age 33.
Matching such narratives will be a challenge in 2016, but with another tennis season about to get serious, with the Australian Open next week, duty still calls. Here is one reporter’s annual wish list:
Healthier stars They hit the ice baths and the hyperbaric chambers, they have more trainers and nutritionists on call than ever, and yet top tennis players keep breaking down.