ATP Roundup

Early in 2009, I proclaimed confidently it the “The Year of Andy Murray.” And while the uppity Scot emerged as a contender in the men’s game, with five titles to his name including wins over undeniable forces Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, he endured setbacks at each of the four Majors. Instead, it was the unassuming Argentine, Juan Martin Del Potro, that knocked the tennis world off it’s axis – toppling the king on his own court just days ago on Arthur Ashe stadium. Darth Federer, as he’d been dubbed, seemed to be cruising to his 6th consecutive crown – up a set and break – until Del Potro validated Kevin Garnett’s theory that “ANYTHING IS POSSSS-I-BULLLLL!” With his first Grand Slam under his belt, DelPo made the statement that he is, indeed, the Real McCoy. But will he be a one-slam-wonder? We’ll have to wait for that piece of the ATP plot to unfold, but one thing is for sure – there’s a lot to look forward to in the gauntlet that is the men’s tour. What will the 2010 slam season have in store? Here’s a rough draft of the contenders for a slam in 2010.

The Cream

Roger Federer – Despite the shocking setback in Flushing Meadows, 2009 proved fruitful for the greatest tennis player in history. The Maestro found the final piece of his Grand Slam puzzle at Roland Garros this year – thanks in large part to Robin Soderling – the Swede who gave Rafa Nadal his first taste defeat on the red clay of Paris. He then reclaimed his reign of Centre Court, outlasting a transformed Andy Roddick at Wimbledon by the remarkable score of 16-14 in the ultimate set. Federer is still, undoubtedly, the measuring stick for the rest of the field, although the tennis world wonders how long he can maintain his uncanny level of play. The man doesn’t know what complacency is, despite becoming the first player to earn $50 million…in prize money. His legacy is cemented and now he has the chance to add a little more glitter to his grandiose trophy assortment. I should know better, but I predict Fed-Ex to bat .250 next year with a single. He was exposed as…well…human, and I believe other players will step up to the challenge and topple Mt. Everest.

Rafael Nadal – The ultimate warrior of the tour fell victim to his own fighting style this year by running himself ragged. The tread on his wheels began to wear at Roland Garros, and finally went bald in New York. Rafa’s greatest strength – his unwavering tenacity – proved to be his Achilles heel. Actually, the eternal flame burning in his heart and his mental fortitude are what defines him. Yet, sometimes the mind and the body don’t see eye to eye. His drubbing at the hands of Del Potro (2-6 2-6 2-6) in the semifinals of the Open is something tennis fans have never witnessed before. That just doesn’t happen to Nadal. Yet it did – and the Spaniard will have to adjust accordingly if he wants his career on court to last longer than Moose Tracks ice cream in my freezer. At the ripe age of 23, Rafa Nadal should be a force for years to come if he plays his cards right. He will re-assume himself as king of clay in 2010, and take back what’s rightfully his in Paris next summer.

Andy Murray – Okay, okay, so I’ll probably catch some flack for generously including the ‘new’Andy in the premier class of court jesters. The truth is, if you can handle it, that he belongs here. I know he hasn’t won a Grand Slam. I’m aware he didn’t even make it to a Grand Slam final in 2009, after breaking through to his first last September in New York. But the chap proved he can play with the best of ‘em. Murray boasts a 6-3 record against Federer, including four of the last five. He plays a cat-and-mouse game and thrives off forcing his foes into hitting an extra shot almost every point, thanks to his tenacious D. He possesses deceiving power, combined with what I deem the best return in the game. Pressure is ever mounting on the shoulders of the highly-touted Scot, but he’s witty enough to learn from his apathetic showing against Marin Cilic. Some critics question his mental toughness, but Murray will lay the heavy burden of the UK’s tennis hopes to rest with a slam victory at Melbourne in January.

Juan Martin Del Potro – He will forever be remembered as the man who toppled Fed on Arthur Ashe in one of the biggest upsets in recent tennis history. His journey among the top ranks has just begun, and at a mere 20-years-old, he’ll only get better with age. Delpo is an all-court player with massive groundstrokes from both wings and a serve with a top speed in the high 130s. His length will trouble all challengers and he is a decent mover for his height. While hardcourt is his best surface, don’t be surprised to see a deep run at the Queen’s Club come July.

The Crop

Novak Djokovic – The Djokster or Jock-a-vic, if you will, remains a legitimate threat for any title. He’s working with Craftsman-like set of tools – the serve, solid ball-striking off both sides, speed and defense. He should add a touch of variety to his game, especially inside the service lines. But his lack of success in 2009 by his standards – merely 2 titles – is due to his lack of mental savvy. Too many times he breaks serve and is unable to consolidate it – ie the first set against Federer last weekend in the semis. While he regained the favor of the New York crowd and enjoyed a casual rally with John McEnroe on Arthur Ashe, Novak will have to prove he’s still among the elite in 2010. His skill set is undeniable, but can he keep his wits?

Andy Roddick – Poor Andy. He’s undoubtedly raised his game in 2009 and almost overcame the biggest hurdle he’ll face through out his career at Wimbledon – the longest match ever played in the history of the Championships. Key word: almost. But he fell short…just short this time. After serving for survival 9 consecutive games, he fell to the man who will haunt him for years to come. Four career losses in Slam finals – all to Roger Federer. Roddick’s game suits Rog’s to a T. That’s the quagmire he’s been stuck in for years now. No one on the pro tour will admit to moral victories, but that’s just what A-Rod got – and his game has flourished ever since. Despite a third round exit at the Open to the upstart giant – 6’9″ John Isner – Roddick will reassert himself as a heavyweight contender next year.