• What the Deuce

Gazing into the crystal tennis ball

Will Rafael Nadal complete the 'Rafa Slam'? © Getty Images

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The beauty of sport is that it is never predictable - who could have foreseen Francesca Schiavone's victory at the French Open or John Isner and Nicolas Mahut's 11-hour epic at Wimbledon? While many pundits will predict another strong year for the likes of Rafael Nadal and Kim Clijsters, What the Deuce takes a look at some slightly less probable outcomes for the forthcoming season.

Rafael Nadal becomes the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four grand slam titles, beating Roger Federer in the Australian Open final to complete the 'Rafa Slam'. Having achieved everything he set out to achieve, Nadal announces he will take a sabbatical in 2012 to focus on his modelling career.

Vera Zvonareva emerges as a surprise winner of the Australian Open. Having reached consecutive finals at Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows, the Russian makes it third time lucky, beating Caroline Wozniacki in the final. Having suffered a complete meltdown in her two previous final appearances, a teary Zvonareva revealed she underwent hypnotherapy to combat her mental fragility.

After reclaiming the Miami Masters, Andy Murray reveals he will cut his schedule to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian. Murray also hints that he will be teaming up with pal James Cordon for a new sketch show.

Thomas Muster last won a title in 1997 © PA Photos

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Thomas Muster's comeback gathers pace, and the old King of Clay dethrones incumbent Nadal, becoming only the second man to beat the Spaniard at Roland Garros with a five-set victory in the semi-finals. Muster then stuns the tennis world to become the oldest grand slam champion at the age of 43, reclaiming the title he won 16 years previously.

Maria Sharapova calls off her engagement with LA Lakers star Sasha Vujacic and confirms that she is dating Barcelona midfield maestro Lionel Messi. At well over six foot, Masha dwarves the 5'7" Messi, but admits she was concerned any children with 6'7" Vujacic would be "too tall".

Roger Federer adds to his clan - his wife Mirka gives birth to triplets in June, just days before the Swiss claims a seventh Wimbledon title to draw level with Pete Sampras. Federer dedicates his victory to the new arrivals, and announces the children will be sponsored by Nike's new baby clothing range.

Mardy Fish announces his retirement from tennis to present his own weightloss programme. Fish, who lost 30 pounds at the beginning of the 2010 season, also revealed he would be bringing out his own line of low calorie meals, originally named Fish Food.

John McEnroe's daughter Anna McEnroe is handed a wildcard for the US Open. Despite only deciding to pursue a career in tennis at the end of 2010, the 15-year-old Miss McEnroe shows a natural talent, and is hailed as Serena Williams' successor. McEnroe makes it to the second round, but has a temper tantrum on court after her defeat to Sam Stosur.

Lleyton Hewitt and family © Getty Images

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Lleyton Hewitt and wife Bec Cartwright sign a multi-million pound deal with Australian TV channel Seven to invite cameras into their Bahamas home to produce a fly-on-the-wall documentary of the family's day-to-day life. Hewitt is heavily criticised when it is revealed that the first episode will air at the same time as the US Open final, but his decision backfires when he reaches the final.

Serena Williams finally admits she has lost all interest in tennis and she announces her retirement to pursue other interests. By sheer coincidence, former world No. 1 Martina Hingis announces her return to the sport the very next day.

Kim Clijsters announces she is pregnant but intends to carry on playing until the last possible moment. Having become the first mother to win a major since Evonne Goolagong in 1980, she reveals she intends to become the first pregnant woman to win a grand slam.

Caroline Wozniacki ends the year as world No. 1, by virtue of having played twice as many tournaments as her aging rivals. Her quest for a grand slam title continues, but is tipped for glory in 2012 after linking up with Steffi Graf's former coach Pavel Slozil.

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