Sports Stars Of 2010

In about a month, the first decade of the 21st century is coming to a close. 

And it's time to have a look at the super stars who made the sports world their very own in 2010. These are the people who are bound to be the shining stars of the next decade.

While some players have fallen from grace for their activities outside the sporting circles (read Tiger Woods), you have many many others who have exhibited superb talent and magnificent skills to become the champions in their respective sports.

Starting with football.

2010 was the year of The World Cup Football. It was played in South Africa in June-July 2010.

The perennial favorites and the glorious under performers Spain won their maiden World Cup.

While Fernando Torres couldn't live upto his expectations, Iker Casillas kept his cool in front of the goal. David Villa was however the real hero for Spain, scoring 5 goals and taking the nation to the elusive World Cup victory.

Moving on to cricket.

Cricket for me, these days, begins and ends with Twenty20 (Indian Premier League to be specific).

For me, M.S. Dhoni was the super star of the years. He earned three stars on his proud chest.

First off all, Dhoni lead Chennai Super Kings to a victory in the IPL in April-May. Later in the year, they went on to win the Champion's League Twenty20. 

And lastly, but most importantly, Dhoni went from being a bachelor to a married man - marrying his sweetheart Sakshi.

Coming next is Formula 1. This is one sport I follow diligently - making it a habit never to miss a Sunday race.

However, this year was sadly different. I couldn't catch up with a single race  - live - thanks to a silly cable operator never showing Star Sports when needed. A busy work schedule didn't help either.

But that didn't stop me from checking out with the results of the races.

It was a year where Michael Schumacher made a comeback after a hiatus.  Fernando Alonso was driving in a strong car - the Ferrari - after a long time. Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button were driving the powerful McLaren.

While all these guys stood up and gave a majestic fight, it was the young German - Sebastien Vettel - who came up trumps in the Formula 1 championships. His team - Red Bull Racing - won the constructors championships.

Tennis is another sport which I try to follow.

In men's tennis, Roger Federer started the year by winning the Australian Open. And Rafael Nadal came up as the winner in remaining three Grand Slams.

Needless to say, he finished the year at top of the ATP World Tour Singles Ranking - by a lofty margin.

Women's tennis was a bit more balanced. Serena Williams won two Slams - The Australian Open and The Wimbledon. 

Francesca Schiavone won her maiden Grand Slam at The French Open. And Kim Clijsters successfully defended her title at The U.S. Open - a very significant achievement considering the fact that she is playing after becoming a proud mother.

But at top of the WTA Singles Ranking is someone who didn't win a single Grand Slam. 

She is Caroline Wozniacki from Denmark.

And she is winning attention for her looks along with her excellent game.  

I was a bit pleased with her being the champ - since I had thought she would win a couple of Grand Slams, which she eventually didn't. Yet, ending the year at the top of the table is a proud achievement.

Finally you have Saina Nehwal from India. With her excellent badminton game, she has risen to World Ranking of number 3. And for a brief period, she was also ranked as number 2. And as of today, she is once again back to the number 2 spot.

2010 was a spectacular year for her - with Saina winning the gold medal in  four significant championships.

She is just 19 years of age. And, without any questions, she is bound to take India to greater heights and make the country proud.

All in all, these sportsmen and sportswomen have displayed enormous talent, superb tenacity, brilliant skills and great will power to be at the very top of their respective sports.