Formerly the princess of the ball bashers, Czech star Nicole Vaidisova has not entered the 2010 Australian Open qualifying tournament. Vaidisova, who was once ranked as highly as #7 in 2007, has seen has ranking plumment to outside the top 100 to 175.

For a player who has appeared lackluster, and melancholy on court for much of the latter half of 2009 this ranking fall could spell disaster. If your heart is not in it, the prospect of playing qualifying events, and ITF Challenger events is not a desirable one. Vaidisova is only 20 years old, and has plenty of time to right the ship. Whether or not she will, is the much bigger question.

Not entering the Australian Open is a very curious decision. She recently played last week at the 75K event in Dubai. She had two wins before falling in the quarterfinals. When we will see her next is anyone’s guess. Although I have my money on seeing her in the stands watching her boyfriend Radek Stepanek in Melbourne.

[Photo Credit Matthew Stockman/Getty Images]