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1/1/09 5:51 PM | Ricky Dimon
Juan Martin Del Potro took the tennis world by storm throughout the summer of 2008 and went all the way to the year-end Masters Cup. Who will emerge in 2009?
Juan Martin Del Potro was ranked 65th in the world on July 7, 2008, the day after the epic Wimbledon final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Four months later, Del Potro found himself in the prestigious year-end Masters Cup as one of the top eight players in the world. He finished the season ranked No. 9.
Such swift and decisive emergences are few and far between on the ATP Tour, but will 2009 produce another Del Potro? Let's take a look at the possibilities.
The obvious choice: Ernests Gulbis
This would not be an exact same situation, as Gulbis was supposed to break out last season, but the 20-year-old Latvian still finds himself ranked 53rd in the world. Like Del Potro in 2008, Gulbis begins 2009 without an ATP title (although he did win a doubles title in Houston last year). Unlike Del Potro, however, Gulbis has already tasted Grand Slam success, having reached the fourth round of the U.S. Open in 2007 and the French Open quarterfinals in 2008. An eruption in 2009 would not be shocking, but at the same, Gulbis has been so inconsistent that a drop in his ranking would also not be surprising.
Already on his way: Marin Cilic
Cilic is already ranked 23rd in the world, so a rise into the top 10 would not be of the same proportions as Del Potro's ascent. Nonetheless, Cilic is still a bit under the radar due to a lack of Grand Slam noise. In 2008, the 20-year-old Croat reached the fourth round of the Australian Open (but got blown out by James Blake) and the fourth round at Wimbledon (but got blown out by Arnaud Clement) and gave Novak Djokovic a battle in the third round of the U.S. Open, but Cilic has never advanced to a Slam quarterfinal. He did, however, win his first ATP title at the Pilot Pen tournament in New Haven last summer. At 6'6'', Cilic has a huge serve, but he also moves well for big man so he can be a force on all surfaces. That will aid his efforts in reaching the top 10.
The dark horse: Kei Nishikori
Nishikori, who just turned 19, has already come out of nowhere once. Early in 2008, the Japanese sensation had to qualify just to get into the main draw of the ATP event in Delray Beach, and he went on to win the whole thing, upsetting James Blake in the final. Nishikori is also no stranger to the big stage, having stunned David Ferrer en route to the fourth round of last year's U.S. Open (lost to Del Potro). Currently sitting at 63rd in the world, Nishikori is in a similar position to that of Del Potro at the start of last summer. The problem for Nishikori is limited power due to his diminutive frame. His serve has been improving but it is still a liability, so success on grass and fast hard courts (although he has achieved some already) will be a problem.
Longshots: Sam Querrey (39th), Simone Bolelli (41st)
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I almost put him as one of the longshots.
I agree Troicki for Top 30, but not Del Potro standards.
RickyDimon , 1/1/09 11:37 PM
I wish that ERnest make it
but he lacks something , may be agood plan for his career , or good coach.
I think he will not make it in the first half of the year , may be after that.
Noody , 1/2/09 8:46 AM
Emulating Del Potro is a ridiculous feat, and will be hard if you have the top players in the tournaments. However, if emulating the rise of Tsonga, Del Potro and Simon is what you're talking about, I like Cilic's chances. Gulbis seems to lack a killer punch, but otherwise he will be a contender too.
samprallica , 1/2/09 7:29 PM
Gulbis vs. Djokovic in the first round of Brisbane
I have never thought draws to be rigged, but at this point I am beginning to be skeptical.
RickyDimon , 1/3/09 7:44 AM
I have to agree. I think its simply not fair on Gulbis, if Djokovic is to win, he'll have to win beating good players anyway. Seriously, draws like that do hurt progress.
samprallica , 1/3/09 2:14 PM
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Troicki to move in top 30.
noleisthebest , 1/1/09 10:30 PM