Tennis: 12 players the Big Four should watch out for - Part III
This instalment is the last of the three-part series about some of the players on the ATP who may still make an impact on the Big Four. The first two instalments cited players such as Robin Soderling, Tomas Berdych, Fernando Verdasco, Juan Martin del Potro,
David Ferrer, Mikhail Youzhny, Andy Roddick and Marin Cilic.
This last part offers four more players who may have what it takes to at least oust the Big Four – Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Murray. The list consists of two Frenchmen, and two American professional tennis players.
9/10. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils:
Both of these players have more than just nationality in common; they also have a great fault which debilitates them from making further progress in the field of tennis. Both players are enigmas who play exceptionally well, displaying terrific athleticism
and potential; however, both of them fall apart at crucial moments in their careers, letting hesitation and lack of focus dominate their play.
Tsonga, who is 25 years old, is a former Australian Open finalist. His main problem is that he remains injured, and his body may be giving up on him earlier than that of most tennis players. Tsonga also requires work on his backhand and return serve, but
his most urgent need is a regime which builds his body back and keeps on the tour for a full year. He is still young enough and talented enough to take over one of the Grand Slam champion slots if he focuses himself.
Meanwhile, compatriot Gael Monfils, who was a semi finalist at the French Open, has immense difficulty with a workable game plan. He falls apart and lacks consistency, engineering his failures by his own hand. Although, his offense and defence are superb
– a rare combo – so far, he refuses to utilize them to the maximum potential. Monfils recently reached the US Open quarters and the final in Tokyo, where he was upset by Nadal.
11/12. Mardy Fish and Sam Querrey:
28 year old Mardy Fish, Number 18, has had an impressive summer, and looked confident while entering the US Open – however, Nole managed to rip the American player apart in the fourth round. However, he may still be the one to watch at the Slams; though
he may not win, he will, nevertheless, make progress in 2011.
Sam Querrey at Number 22 has been winning smaller titles, but has as of yet been unable to move past a victory at the third round of a Masters Series or Majors event. His biggest advantage, perhaps, is his age; he is 23, and unlike Fish, he can afford to
take his career with gradual improvement. He has won tournaments on all four surfaces, and that increases his chances of adaptability for a Grand Slam. This young player will definitely bring improvement to his already great forehand and serve in the New Year,
but his chances of a Majors' victory are quite variable, depending on consistency and training.
This instalment completes the list of players who may make it big in 2011. All that remains to be done now is to sit back and wait for January to roll around.
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