Much to the fans dismay,
tennis champions like Roger Federer and Serena Williams will eventually have to
retire. As tennis fans say goodbye to some of the game’s greats, they will also
be welcoming a wave of young up incomers to professional tennis. But which
young talents have the potential to make the greatest impact on the game? In
this blog, I will be detailing the few I believe could be the next tennis
superstar.
Women
Madison Keys
Why:
1. Huge
Weapons: At just 19 years of age, Keys has arguably one of the biggest
serves in women’s tennis. In 2013, Madison was fourth on the WTA Tour in aces
with 225, and sixth in first service points won (69.4%). In addition to her
dynamic serve, Keys possesses an equally powerful forehand. The one-two punch
Keys has with the serve and forehand will help her as she continues her
meteoric rise up the WTA rankings.
2. Attitude:
From the time I watched the then 17-year-old Keys play at the U.S. Open, I was
impressed by her demeanor on the court. After playing a great point, Keys
fist-pumped, followed by a strong ‘Come on!’ When in the right frame of mind,
Keys has the game to beat almost any opponent.
3. Belief:
From a young age, Keys has never been afraid of the top players or the big
stage. As a lucky loser at last year’s Mutua Madrid Open, Keys faced Li Na in
the first round. Not at all phased by the enormity of the moment, Keys put on a
flawless display, dispatching Li Na in two quick sets. Regardless of her
opponent, Keys steps out on the court believing she could win the match. It is
this inner-belief that has driven champions like Martina Navratilova to the top
of women’s tennis.
Why Not:
1. Movement:
As a taller player (5’10”), movement is always a concern. With a wider
wingspan, Keys has the ability to get her racquet on a lot of balls. However,
Keys does get sloppy with her footwork, resulting in many unforced errors. In
order to become one of the game’s elite, Keys must improve her foot speed and
footwork.
2. Mental
Strength: As I stated in my last blog post, Keys’ mental strength can be
shaky at crucial moments in the match. Inexperience at the elite level can be
attributed to this weakness; however, it should not excuse the defeatist
attitude that occasionally seeps into Keys’ game. The top WTA players rarely
lose focus, and show great composure, even when losing a match. If Keys doesn’t
improve her mental toughness, it will be difficult for her to win major titles.
3. Point
Construction: To coincide with sloppy footwork, Keys also struggles with
constructing points. As a powerful baseline player, Keys is has the ability to
hit herself out of trouble. However, if she is having an off day, or she is
playing a speedy opponent, Keys typically racks up a large number of unforced
errors. In order to achieve success on the WTA Tour, Keys must learn to hit
with margin and consistency, instead of trying to hit her opponents off the
court.
Sloane Stephens
Why:
1. Solid
All-Around Game: Sloane Stephens is one of the few young players that can
play for all areas of the court. When Stephens moves forward, she displays the
volleying skills of a seasoned doubles player. Even at her size (5’7”), Stephens
possesses one of the biggest forehands in the game. To be a top player on the
WTA Tour, you must have weapons. Stephens has the all-around game that can get
her to the top.
2. Great
Mover: In addition to her all-around game, Stephens is one of the best
movers on the WTA Tour. Coming from an athletic family, Stephens has the
ability to run down just about every ball. If used effectively, Stephens will
be able to turn points around, and win points that most other players would
have lost.
3. Loves
The Big Stage: Based on her recent grand slam results, Stephens is not
afraid of the big stage. Stephens has made the fourth round or better at each
of the last five majors, capped off by the Cinderella run to the Australian
Open semifinal last year. If only Stephens could carry over some of the success
at the majors to the other WTA Tour events, she may see her ranking inside the
top ten, instead of where she currently sits at No.18.
Why Not:
1. Attitude/Composure:
This is the biggest issue when it comes to Stephens’s game. On several
occasions, I have asked myself, “Does she even want to out there?” Stephens’s
demeanor on the court is calm and subdued. But there are times throughout a
match, where she carries herself as if she could care less about the outcome.
As a player with such a warm personality off the court, Stephens is as cold as
ice on the court.
2. Defensive-Mentality:
Even with her big forehand and strong net game, Stephens possesses a defensive
mind-set. Stephens relies too heavily on her foot speed and defensive skills to
win matches. Historically, the players who win grand slam titles are those who
have an aggressive style of play. It will be interesting to see in the coming
months if Stephens’s new coach, Paul Annacone, will help her develop a more
offensive mentality.
Eugiene Bouchard
Why:
1. All-Around
Game: Like Stephens, Bouchard possesses a solid game from all areas of the
court. As a tall player (5’10”), Bouchard has a serve that with time can become
one of the best in the game. Bouchard is an aggressive player who likes to use
her favorite shot, the forehand, to dictate play and finish points. Even though
Bouchard doesn’t have the natural volleying ability as fellow youngster
Stephens, she has the ability to finish points at the net. Bouchard has a
strong foundation that can help her become a top player.
2. Mentally
Tough: At only 19, Bouchard has already played some of the biggest names of
the WTA Tour. Bouchard pushed both Williams sisters to three sets last year,
showing great mental toughness. While playing Sharapova in Miami, Bouchard
never got down on herself, despite only winning two games. Tennis is as much
mental as it is physical. Bouchard’s mental toughness will be a key asset in
her success on the tour.
Why Not:
1. Lack
Of Huge Weapon: Despite having an all-around game, Bouchard does lack a
finishing shot. Bouchard loves to dictate play, and is able to redirect the
ball with ease. However, the question is whether she can dictate the match with
her own power, rather than relying on the pace of her opponent? Bouchard can
hang with the biggest hitters in the game; but can she overcome them?
Men
Grigor Dimitrov
Why:
1. Fluid
Groundstrokes: At 22, Dimitrov is by far the brightest young star on the
ATP Tour. Nicknamed “Baby Fed,” Dimitrov definitely possesses a similar
fluidity in his groundstrokes to Roger Federer. With a powerful forehand and a
versatile one-handed backhand, Dimitrov has every shot in the book. Watching
Dimitrov play is like listening to a finely tuned instrument. Both are precise,
and beautiful to watch.
2. Movement:
Contrary to other people’s opinions, I believe Dimitrov is a strong mover
around the court. At 6’3”, Dimitrov has great foot speed, along with top class
defensive skills. In addition, Grigor has a game that translates to any surface.
The problem with Dimitrov is not his movement; it is his ability to maintain
it. As Dimitov’s fitness level improves, so will his movement.
Why Not:
1. Mental
Strength: Grigor Dimitrov has the game to beat just about anyone in the
world. However, when in tight matches, Dimitrov’s mental strength becomes a
glaring weakness. Dimitrov was up 5-2 in the first set against both Djokovic
and Murray in Indian Wells and Miami last year, only to lose both sets in
tiebreakers. In order to change his reputation as the flashy player, who isn’t
good enough to beat the top players, Dimitrov must improve his mental
toughness.
2. Fitness
Level: Grigor Dimitrov is a player who has become notorious for cramping
during long matches. With the game being so physically taxing on players, it
has taken Dimitrov a little longer to develop. Since hiring Roger Rasheed as
his coach, Dimitov has made a notable improvement to his fitness level. In
Dimitrov’s five matches at the Australian Open, he went four sets in four of
them. Even against Nadal, when it appeared that he was starting to fatigue,
Dimitrov was able to produce some of his best tennis. If he wants to become one
of the game’s elite, his fitness must continue to improve.
Jack Sock
Why:
1. HUGE
WEAPONS: Jack Sock is considered one of the U.S.’s top male tennis
prospects. Possessing one of the biggest serves and forehands in the game, Sock
definitely has the potential to become a top player. Sock can pound the serve
at upwards of 140 mph, as well as use his slice and heavy kick-serve to
maneuver the ball around the service box. Using his serve to set up the next
shot, Sock likes to use his massive forehand to dictate play. Even though Sock
prefers to run around most backhands, he needs to become more consistent with the
backhand if he wants to become a top player.
2. Likes Big Stage: On the world’s biggest
stage, the U.S. Open, Jack Sock plays his best tennis. Having made the
third-round at the last two U.S. Opens, Sock is not intimidated by the big
stage. In 2011, alongside American sweetheart Melanie Oudin, Sock won the mixed
doubles at the U.S Open. As Sock’s ranking improves, he will be able to get
direct entry into the bigger ATP Tour events. Though not as grand a scale as
the majors, Sock will still relish playing on tennis’s grander stages.
Why Not:
1. Fitness
Level: Sock’s ability to win long matches has always been an issue. Opponents
know that in a best of five set match, if they can prolong the match as long as
possible, they will have a good chance of beating Sock. The ATP’s “Big Four”
have proven that they are capable of playing for hours without fatigue. Like
Dimitrov, Sock must improve his fitness level if he wants to become a top
player.
2. Desire
To Win: A problem with a lot of the young American’s today is their lack of
urgency. There are a large number of promising American men that have the
potential to make an impact on the ATP Tour. However, if they want to get to
the next level, they must have the desire to win. In an interview last week,
Andy Roddick stated that young Americans Jack Sock and Ryan Harrison need to
start showing a sense of urgency. If Sock wants to become a top player, he must
begin to take his career more seriously, and take advantage of the
opportunities that have been presented to him.
Nick Kyrgios
Why:
1. Huge
Game: The young Aussie has a big game to go along with his intimidating
court presence. At 6’4”, Kyrgios has a serve that looks like it is coming from
another hemisphere. The Aussie hits with easy power from both wings, and has a
surprisingly good backhand for a tall player. Despite his loss to Benoit Paire
at the Australian Open, Kyrgios put on a display well beyond his years. Kyrgios,
at just 18 years of age, has the weapons that can get him to the top of men’s
tennis.
2. Aggressive
Mentality: Kyrgios uses his powerful groundstrokes to suffocate his
opponents. Standing on or inside the baseline, Kyrgios likes to dictate play, and
take his opponents time away. To become an even more imposing player, Kyrgios
needs to use his aggressive mentality and continue moving forward. If the
Aussie improves his net game, there is no telling how successful this young
talent can be.
Why Not:
1. Net
Play: Kyrgios likes to play most of his points from the baseline. Using his
powerful groundstrokes to come to the net would only benefit the young Aussie.
Moreover, with a wingspan as wide as Kyrgios’s, it will be difficult to get
anything past him.
2. Return
Of Serve: As a taller player, Kyrgios sometimes struggles with his return
of serve. Especially on the backhand side, Kyrgios’s returns tend to a land in
the middle of the court, giving his opponents an opportunity to take charge of
the point. Given Kyrgios’ size, it takes a little longer to get his long limbs
into the hitting position. If the young Aussie can translate his aggressive
mentality into his return game, he will be an even more lethal opponent.
Others
To Watch
Belinda Bencic
The 2013 ITF Junior World
Champion is definitely a player you want to keep your eye on. The 16-year-old
Swiss player has an impressive all-around game that lacks any major weakness. Bencic
showed great promise at this year’s Australian Open, having qualified before
losing in the second round to eventual champion Li Na. I was really impressed
with Bencic’s demeanor on the court. After quickly losing the first set to
love, Bencic managed to push Li to a second set tiebreaker. Based on the first
set score line, Bencic could have easily gotten down on herself, and given up
on the match. But she displayed her champion’s mentality and continued to give
it her best effort. Look for Bencic to continue her rapid accent up the
rankings.
Ana Konjuh
Konjuh is another 16-year-old
junior champion that has already made an early splash on the WTA Tour. After
receiving a wildcard into the ASB Classic in Auckland, Konjuh took out top
seeded Roberta Vinci in the opening round. The Croat possesses a similar
all-around game to Bencic, which at times proved to be even bigger than the
Swiss junior champion. Konjuh continued her good form into the Australian Open,
where she qualified for her first main draw at a major. Despite losing to Li Na
in the opening round, the young Croat proved that she possesses the tools to
one day be a top player. With strong play from both Konjuh and Bencic, we may
have the next great tennis rivalry on our hands.
Thanasi Kokkinakis
The first time I saw
17-year-old Thanasi Kokkinakis was at last year’s Hopman Cup. Kokkinakis is
another young Aussie player with a big serve and forehand. The 6’5” Aussie
would sustain his great play into the 2013 Australian Open, where he made the
junior final, losing to his talented compatriot Nick Kyrgios. As a wildcard in
this year’s Australian Open, Kokkinakis won his opening round, setting up a
second round clash with Rafa Nadal. Australia, like the U.S., has been
anxiously waiting for their next tennis superstar. Kokkinakis, along with Nick
Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, are part of a strong Aussie contingent that has the
potential to become the next tennis superstars.
