by Bob Stockton
No one predicted the shocks that happened in the world of tennis during in 2016 and 2017 has the potential to be even more unpredictable. With the changing of the old guard at the top of the rankings it is all to play for this season. There are many battles that will take place. Here are some predictions.
Serena Williams
At the start of 2016, no one would have backed against Serena Williams not to finish the year in the number one spot. She has completely dominated women’s tennis and during 2015 the American player was the first female to win the top four major titles in the same year since 1969. It is why it was such a surprise to see Angelique Kerber take the number one ranking from her at the end of the year thanks to her winning two of the major titles.
Williams will be desperate to win back the number one ranking and beat Steffi Graf’s record of winning 22 grand slams. She managed to draw level with her by winning Wimbledon last year when she beat Kerber and will be determined to do the same again in 2017.
Andy Murray
It is going to be hard for Andy Murray to top last year as it was a magical year for the British and world number one. It looks like 2017 is going to be a two-horse race between the Scotsman and Novak Djokovic with both players way ahead of the chasing pack. The closest rivals are Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic and Stan Wawrinka who will all have a say on who comes out on top come the end of the year.
Djokovic is not the type of player that is going to roll over without a fight and he will be determined to get off to a great start again by defending his Australian Open Title. If he can keep the title and improve his performances for the second half of the year this time around, it is going to be a very close battle between the two.
Rafael Nadal
It was an extremely disappointing 2016 for tennis legend Rafael Nadal and he will be looking to make up for it in 2017. He was the favorite to win the French Open for a record tenth time last year but had to withdraw due to injury. The player is now 30 years old and will be wanting to get clay-court grand slams and if everything goes to plan he could win the French Open once again.
Roger Federer
At 35 years old time is running out for Roger Federer but he has the class and determination to get back into the top five. He had major injury setbacks in 2016 but he will be ready for the first grand slam of the year in Australia. It may take him until the middle of the season to get back to his best but all the top players will want to avoid been drawn against him as he can beat anyone when on form.
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