10 things to watch on the 2011 ATP World Tour
Will Rafa stay healthy?
Rafael Nadal dominated 2010, winning 3 of the 4 majors, and showing the world that a healthy Nadal is almost unbeatable. Only Roger Federer, in the year-end Barclay’s ATP World Tour Finals, would defeat Rafa on a big stage. After being hobbled in late 2009, early 2010 with injury, many thought Nadal’s reign was over. They could not have been more wrong. Nadal returned with a vengeance, showcasing an improved serve while continuing to dazzle with his power and speed. He finished 2010 injury-free and looks to be the favorite in Australia.
Is Roger over the hill?
There is little doubt that Roger Federer is not the invincible force he once was. His streak of 23 straight semi-finals or better at grand slam events was stopped in 2010 – twice. He went 7 months without winning a title, a drought unheard of by his standards. He dropped all the way to #3 in the rankings during the summer. Some predicted he would not win another slam. But Federer showed in the year-end event that he can still beat everyone, including Nadal. With the kind of skill he possesses, and his style of play, which is much less demanding than Nadal’s, Federer will still be a threat at any event. I wouldn’t
put a nail in his coffin just yet.
Can Roddick win another slam?
Andy Roddick, the only current American on tour with a grand slam victory, looked to have a promising year in 2010, until hampered with illness. Roddick will expect to come out in 2011 with guns blazing. His serve has not lost any power, and his groundstrokes have improved. As Roddick learns to play with more versatility, he will have all the ingredients for another slam title, he just needs a little luck to get past Nadal or Federer.
Is Fish ready to rise?
Mardy Fish is playing fitter and better than ever. The question is whether he waited too late to peak. This American player shows signs of greatness, but needs to show consistency to make a run for the top-10.
Will Murray fizzle?
Andy Murray has been expected to compete for a slam for a few years now, unfortunately for him, he keeps falling well short. Murray has a variety of shots, but lacks the put-away power. He needs to reach within for a little something extra this year before the pressure on him becomes unbearable.
Will Djokovic take the next step?
Novak Djokovic has one slam title to his credit, but then keeps falling short to a couple of guys named Nadal and Federer. Djokovic has victories over each, but will need to string some together to get another major title. Djokovic is the best chance to have a new champion on the Tour. If he can keep his head straight, this could be his year to make a move.
Can DelPo return to glory?
We haven’t heard from Juan Martin Del Potro since winning the 2009 US Open. DelPo went out early last year with a wrist injury. He will hope to start 2011 healthy and move back up in the rankings. While injured, DelPo fell from number 4 all the way to 257.
Can Hewitt make one last run?
Lleyton Hewitt is another former champion who is trying to hold on to his dream. The former number 1 returned from hip surgery to win his 28th title on the grass courts of Halle, defeating Federer in the final. Soon to be age 30, Hewitt struggles on the hard courts, but could well make a run at Wimbledon if his health holds out.
Is Harrison the next American star?
The newest face of American tennis, 18 year old Ryan Harrison made a splash at the US Open, ousting 15th seed Ljubicic in the 1st round. He became the 1st American teenager to beat a top-20 opponent in a Grand Slam since Roddick in 2001. Harrison broke into the top 200 in the world ranking for 2010. Many expect Harrison to approach the top-50 in 2011.
Can tall ball really work?
6’6″ Sam Querrey and 6’9″ John Isner both broke into the top 20 in 2010. Querrey won 4 titles, Isner 1 during last season. Isner became a household name by winning the longest tennis match in history, a 1st round match at Wimbledon over the course of 3 days. Querrey is the more versatile player, but Isner’s serve is powerful and still improving. At any given tournament, either of these players has the potential to go deeper than fellow American Andy Roddick. These players could be the next big thing for American tennis.
