Finding The Ladder – by James A. Crabtree

Written by: Resendiz on 4th October 2011

Finding The Ladder - by James A. Crabtree

Donald Young of USA returns the ball to Gael Monfils of France, during their semi final match at the ATP PTT Thailand Open tennis tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, 01 October 2011. Young defeated Monfils and advanced to the final. EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT |

Every week a player finds form and rises within the rankings. This week is no different. Here we look at some of the biggest climbers.

ATP

Matthias Bachinger, ranking 88

This twenty four year old German reached the quarter finals in Bangkok, coming up short against Gilles Simon. After his most impressive run at a big tournament this year he jumped ten places to number 88 in the world. His career best of 85 in the world is surely in sight.

Marcos Baghdatis, ranking 54

The charming Cypriot looks to have found some of the form that once made him number 8 in the world. An appearance in the Malaysian final, and victories over Jurgen Melzer and Viktor Troicki, will give him the boost he and new coach Miles Maclagan have been looking for.

Donald Young, ranking 43

This young lefty not only made his first ATP final (Thailand), he also cracked the top 50 for the first time. An impressive hard fought win over Monfils in the semi-final showed real maturity in a player many once considered a bust.

WTA

Klara Zakopalova, ranking 42

Klara jumped six spots after reaching the semi-finals in Seoul and the round of 16 in Tokyo. This twenty nine year old from Prague will look to continue her good form with hope of exceeding her career best ranking of 27.

Iveta Benesova, ranking 45

2011 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion and doubles specialist Iveta is another Czech player once ranked in the twenties. This week Iveta has climbed nine places, after impressive victories over Dominika Cibulkova in Tokyo reaching the round of 16.

Romina Oprandi, ranking 100

This Italian reached the final in Bulgaria and won Las Vegas to help her cause. This good form at two ITF events have helped the former world number 46 reclaim her place within the top 100.