Meghann Shaughnessy

Meghann Shaughnessy turned professional in 1996, and by 2001 had broken into the top 20 in world rankings. The same year she reached the fourth round at both the French Open and Wimbledon -- her best showing in Grand Slam tournaments to that time -- and won the mixed doubles title at the German Open with partner Els Callens. Shaughnessy took an unusual route to the pros, turning down U.S. Tennis Association support to pursue her own independent training program.

Opening serves

Shaughnessy made her debut on the WTA Tour in 1996 at a tournament in Budapest, and broke into the top 100 in 1998. In 2000, Shaughnessy won her first WTA singles title at Beijing, defeating Iroda Tulyaganova in the final, and breaking into the top fifty. In her breakout year of 2001, Shaughnessy achieved a career-high singles ranking of #11, won the second singles title of her career at Quebec City, and reached the finals of Hamburg and her home tournament in Scottsdale.She also recorded wins over world number five Conchita Martnez, world number four Monica Seles, and world number two Venus Williams.

Current form

In 2005, Shaughnessy struggled with injuries and consistency. Her year began with a right leg injury, which forced her to withdraw from the Australian Open doubles competition, and from a tournament in Hyderabad. However, Shaughnessy showed signs of recovery in February, reaching the final of Memphis, defeating Nicole Vaidišov in the semifinals. The match featured Shaughnessy serving 22 aces in her 7–6 7–6 win. After Memphis, Shaughnessy struggled with back injuries for the duration of the spring, not reaching another semifinal until June at a grass tournament in 's-Hertogenbosch.

Personal life

Her coach had been romantically involved with her since before she turned 18 Their romantic and coaching relationship ended in 2005; however, Shaughnessy re-united with Font De Mora as her coach during the latter part of 2006. Shaughnessy claims she was in an intimate relationship from 2004 to 2005, with Major League Baseball player Roberto Alomar, also claiming that he did not inform her whether or not he was HIV positive, during their relationship.