ATP World Tour: What can we expect in 2014?
Players to watch out for in 2014
The year 2013 was a defining moment in men’s tennis. The decline in form of Roger Federer, who has dominated the tennis world for a decade, can be construed as the passing over of the baton to the next generation. However, the most talked about topic was the resurgent comeback of Rafael Nadal, who defied all odds to reclaim the top ranking in men’s tennis. A new Wimbledon champion in Andy Murray has added another dimension to the existing rivalries. This leads us to a very interesting set of scenarios as we progress into the New Year:
Future of the ‘Big Four’
(L-R) Andy Murray of Great Britain, Novak Djokovic of Siberia, Roger Federer of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal of Spain
Novak Djokovic has been the most consistent of the ‘Big Four’. The Serb reached the business end of most of the tournaments that he played in 2013. The start of the season is usually a period when Djokovic is most comfortable, however the emergence of Rafael Nadal as an effective hard court player could pose problems for Djokovic heading into the first Grand Slam of the year. Rafael Nadal has had an exceptional 2013, but with his aggressive and physical game, injuries will always be haunting the Spaniard and it would be difficult for him to continue his impressive form from this year. On the other hand, Roger Federer after a subdued 2013 would aim to regain his lost charm. The beginning of 2014 could give us a signal on how the future of Federer’s tennis career shapes up. Meanwhile, Andy Murray will have to recuperate from his back injury and get back into rhythm after a long break from tennis.
Prediction: This could be the year when Novak completes his ‘career Slam’ in Paris. Rafael Nadal will win at least one Grand Slam this year. Roger Federer will still be among the best, but will find it difficult to capture a major trophy. Andy Murray’s year depends on his comeback from injury.
Rise of the Others
Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina plays a forehand
The dominance of the ‘Big Four’ is such that in the last eight years only once has someone other than them won a Grand Slam trophy. The man to do so, Juan Martin Del Potro, has always been at the end of some heart-breaking marathon matches. The Argentine showed glimpses of what he is capable of at Wimbledon driving Djokovic to the edge before faltering. The Tower of Tandil will be the top candidate for winning a Grand Slam outside the top four in 2014.
Another player who has always been there at the top but not managed to run the last mile is David Ferrer. The Spaniard had another fine season managing to reach his first ever Slam final in Paris. The sheer diligence of Ferrer has taken him close to the top, but he has to develop some added skill to topple the best. After ending the year at number three, Ferrer would certainly want to go the distance and capture a major trophy in 2014.
A rising star who has always existed in the mammoth shadow of his more revered countryman is Stanislas Wawrinka. Wawrinka is another player who could break the trend of Grand Slam winners. The backhands of the Swiss would be a major threat as he aims to replicate his form from 2013 in the new season. Meanwhile, Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as always remain a threat but need to discover ways to get past the big guns in crucial matches. They have had their moments of glory but have failed to live up to expectations at the big stage. Federer’s declining form could act as a boon to these players who can make their mark in 2014.
Other players to watch out for in 2014: Milos Raonic, John Isner, Richard Gasquet
Indians in 2014
Somdev Devvarman
The singles scenario for India appears to be bright with Somdev Devvarman reclaiming his place in the top 100. Devvarman started the year at a low ranking of 664 but slowly progressed through the ranks causing some major upsets on the way. Somdev defeated higher ranked opponents like Robin Haase, Alexandr Dolgopolov and Benoit Paire in 2013. The Indian also managed to reach the second round at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows. In the new season, Devvarman would want to have a good start with his home event at Chennai.
Another rising Indian singles player who has the potential to enter the top 100 is Yuki Bhambri. Bhambri had an impressive end to the year and has entered the top 200 in the world. Bhambri impressed most at the Kaohsiung challenger where he reached the finals in both singles and doubles. He had to play three matches in a single day with the semifinal encounter extending to almost three hours. Bhambri narrowly missed out on getting a wild card in singles for the Australian Open.
The doubles scenario for India is much better than the singles. Yuki Bhambri has already booked a place in the Australian Open doubles competition. Purav Raja and Divij Sharan have been making impressive strides after their first ATP 250 title in Columbia. The evergreen Leander Paes has added another Grand Slam trophy this year and would be going strong with Radek Stepanek in 2014. Rohan Bopanna after an up and down 2013 has decided to pair up again with Pakistani Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and the Indo-Pak express would want to replicate their form from 2011 to capture a Grand Slam trophy. With a Davis Cup tie at home against Chinese Taipei, the Indian Davis Cup team stands a good chance of progressing to the latter stages of the competition this year.
All-in-all, an exciting new season awaits in 2014 which could see new champions being crowned and established stalwarts fall. Now all that has to be done is to wait for December 30th.