Saturday 10 September 2016

Top Tens: Modern Male Tennis Players




The premise of this top 10 is simple; the greatest players since the end of the last great era with Sampras fading out, and Agassi beginning a downward slide. Therefore this list is from around 2001 onward, and will no doubt spark some serious discussion. 

10. Tomas Berdych
(Grand Slam x1 Runner Up, Davis Cup x2 Winner)


Its unfortunate for Berdych that he plays in this era, as in any other he would be a lot more successful. He has however had an incredible career - reaching the semi finals or better at all four slams (incredible) and winning the Davis Cup twice. He was also runner up at Wimbledon.


9. David Ferrer
(Grand Slams: 1x Runner Up, Davis Cup Wins: 3, WTF: Final 2007)

Ferrer holds the amazing distinction of having the most ATP tour wins, without having won a Grand Slam. That all but sums his career up; a consistent members of the top 10 in the world, Ferrer was always around to pick up the pieces when the so called "big 4" faltered. He has won tournaments at every level barring GS level, and has the 7th highest career prize money of all time.
Ferrer



8. Andy Roddick
(Grand Slam: US Open 2003 & RUx3 Wimbledon + US Open 2006, World Number 1)

The big serving, forehand smashing American Roddick has left his markl on the game in the time he played. It's a case of what might have been for Roddick, losing to Roger Federer in 4 Grand Slam finals, including a heartbreaking Wimbledon 2009. Roddick retired early for players of his era in 2012, with injury concerns. However he will be fondly rembered by fans for a long time to come.



7. Juan Martin Del Potro
(Grand Slam: US Open 2009, 1x Olympic Silver, WTF Runner up 2009)

Everyones favourite injured plagued Argentine power-house. Del Potro is a truly sad case of injury, as he would have undoubtedly won at least 2-3 more 'Slams had he not suffered long term injuries. His 2016 comeback has been nothing short of amazing, and he is still relatively young... so if he keeps fit he still may fulfill his potential.




6. Stan Wawrinka
(Grand Slam: 1x Australian Open & 1x French Open *pending final of US Open vs Djokovic this Sunday, Olympic Doubles Gold Medal, Davis Cup: 2014)

The man with the greatest backhand of all time, Wawrinka under Magnus Norman has been a late-bloomer, but boy did he bloom. His matches with Novak Djokovic as the Australian Open now the stuff of legend, Wawrinka has the chance to add a 3rd 'slam to his collection this Sunday.

Image result for wawrinka backhand gif


5. Andy Murray
(Grand Slam: Wimbledon x2 & 1x US Open + x8 Runner Up, 2x Olympic Singles Gold, 2015 Davis Cup)

The 4th member of the "big four" Murray has constantly come up short on most occasions in his career. Despite this, he is an incredible 11 time grand slam runner up, and is the only man to defend olympic gold. His next target will be to become world number one, having lead Britain to a famous Davis Cup win in 2015.



4. Lleyton Hewitt
(Grabd Slam: 1x US Open & 1x Wimbledon + 1x US Open Doubles / 2x Singles Runner Up, 2 Years World Number One, Youngest World Number One, WTF: 2001 & 2002 Winner, Davis Cup x2)

The great Australian with his legendary cry of "come on" and sheer passion is one of the greats of modern tennis. He has won and achieved pretty much everything there is to achieve in the game. Hewitt is extraordinary because his only real weapon is himself and his incredible attitude. His send off at the 2016 Australian Open shows the mark he left on tennis. Roger Federer even attributs Hewitt with making him a better player, and changing tennis to the baseline game it currently is.

Highlights: Andy Murray/Jamie Murray (GBR) v Sam Groth/Lleyton Hewitt (AUS)



3. Novak Djokovic
(Grand Slam x12, World Number One, Davis Cup x1, WTF x5)

The best player of the last few years, Djokovic is super-human with some of the things he can do on court. Whuilst he may not get the love of the next two players, he is truly incredible like him or hate him. Djokovic has taken tennis to new levels.




2. Rafa Nadal
(Grand Slam x14, World Number One, WTF Runner Up x2, Olympic Doubles Gold, Davis Cup x4)

The King of Clay, Nadals achievements above speak for tehmselves. He is incredible, and took the fight to Roger Federer better than anyone. Sadly imjuries have blighted Nadal in recent years, but never count out the great Spaniard.

Rafael Nadal January 2015.jpg


1. Roger Federer
(Grand Slam x 17, Record World Number One, Davis Cup 2014, WTF x 6, Olympic Doubles Gold)

Without a doubt the greatest player of all time, Federer is a joy to watch and has one of the most elegant games of all time. He took tennis to another level and at 34 can still battle with Djokovic and the rest of the tour. His dominance in the first years of his success is like nothing tennis has even seen, and he has won all 4 grand slams.

Roger Federer (26 June 2009, Wimbledon) 2 new.jpg

















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