Who will be the dominant force next year?

[Seany]

Essentially what we have seen over the past years is :

2007-Federer
2008-Nadal
2009-Federer
2010-Nadal
2011-Djokovic

These guys tend not to share the glory, so which one of them will take up the dominant role next year?

[TJfederer16]

Probably still Djokovic but not as much as this year

[boredone3456]

This time last year it seemed like Nadal was poised to steamroll through this year on the back of 3 straight major victories and then comes Novak with his amazing year...so honestly, who knows?

Personally I am hoping Nadal takes a serious look at his loses to Novak this year and works to try and come up with a new strategy to counter him. What that should be I have no clue but obviously he needs to do something a little bit differently.

Federer...at this point should just focus on the majors and maybe a couple other things. He doesn't seem to have the domination factor anymore and if he wants another major or 2 he should focus on working towards that. He looked totally gassed in the US Open SF at times and if he wants more majors, just focus on that. Nadal and Djokovic are workhorses and look to dominate the non slams...if I were Fed..let them do it, hope they wear themselves out and get a major. He probably can't get number 1 back at this point anyway.

Murray Murray...Always the Grooms man or Usher but never the groom...unless he takes a page for Djokovics book...its not gonna be him.

Unless something changes..look for Nadal and Djokovic to be the dominators next year.

[glazkovss]

I hope it wil be DelPotro.

[Tammo]

I think Nadal and Djokovic will split the slams, and it will be very close between them. I voted for Nadal because I think he will have success on the clay (again), and probably snatch the USO or SW19. Maybe Delpo can take a couple MS1000's too.

[TenTan]

Djokovic or Nadal

[Rippy]

I think Nadal. He's still been very good most of this year, and I think Djokovic's level will drop next year.

[tennisenthusiast]

Why do you even have Federer in that list?? Very surprising...

[Talker]

Probably Djokovic.
Nadal has to get a few areas working better, not just one area.

Djokovic took away clay from Nadal, this is one area he could always rely on to get his confidence and tune up his game.
And on hard courts the advantage is even greater for Nole.
As far as grass, Djokovic should be more comfortable and confident.
I would favor Djokovic at RG if he makes the final against Nadal.

Djokovic has a lot to defend but has plenty of points also, besides, whoever does best over any 12 month span is #1.

[NadalAgassi]

It is ridiculous to say Federer in anyway "dominated" 2009. There was no dominant player in 2009, although Nadal clearly would have been without his mid seson injuries.

[SoBad]

Great Nadal of course, but I can also see players like Golubev, Dolgopolov and Donskoy making some big waves and knocking down those doors.

[Clarky21]

Cvac Djokovic.

[celoft]

Djokovic will be the dominant force next year.

Nadal will be in his eight consecutive year winning a slam, where Borg(won 2 big titles) was in 1981, Sampras(won 2 big titles) in 2000 and Federer(won 3 big titles) in 2010. None of these guys dominated in those years.

Federer will be where Sampras was in 2002, after a slamless year(2001) that followed 8 consecutive years winning a slam. Sampras just won 1 title in 2002, the USO.

[TennisFan3]

DJokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro.

Delpo wins one slam beating Djoko in 5 sets of one slam.

Djoko wins the other 3. Beating Murray in one and Nadal in the other 2..

[Set Sampras]

Hard to say really. I think Rafa will work on a few things, maybe get his serve back, be much more aggressive then he was this year, hopefully hit flatter, work on the BH etc.

Its also up in the air about Nole's health. This upper body injury could continue to flare up next year.

[Clarky21]

Hard to say really. I think Rafa will work on a few things, maybe get his serve back, be much more aggressive then he was this year, hopefully hit flatter, work on the BH etc.

Its also up in the air about Nole's health. This upper body injury could continue to flare up next year.


He doesn't have an injury. He is fine.

[NadalAgassi]

DJokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro.

Delpo wins one slam beating Djoko in 5 sets of one slam.

Djoko wins the other 3. Beating Murray in one and Nadal in the other 2..

In which case it would only be Djokovic. To share in dominance you need to do more than win one slam, if the other guy wins three. That is unless you think Del Potro will sweep almost all the Masters or something (for the record he hasnt even won one to date).

[MichaelNadal]

Lolz at Delpo winning another slam. Sorry TF3, Murray has a better chance.

[Clarky21]

Lolz at Delpo winning another slam. Sorry TF3, Murray has a better chance.


What makes you say that?

[Federer>Djokovic>Nadal]

I personally think it will be some random person because all the top players will be preparing for the End of the World.

[veroniquem]

It is ridiculous to say Federer in anyway "dominated" 2009. There was no dominant player in 2009, although Nadal clearly would have been without his mid seson injuries.



I agree with you. In 2009, the guy with the most titles was Murray, the guy with the most masters was Nadal and Fed had 2 slams but only 4 titles total.
The first part of the year was dominated by Nadal, the second by Fed and the last one more or less by Davydenko. The slams were won by 3 different guys. There wasn't 1 player clearly dominating 2009's season, contrary to 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011 where the #1 dominated both in total #of titles and in # of slams.

[TennisFan3]

Lolz at Delpo winning another slam. Sorry TF3, Murray has a better chance.

You wanna take a BET on that. I am willing to put a wager.

Delpo gets his second slam before Murray gets his first. You heard it here first..

[TennisFan3]

In which case it would only be Djokovic. To share in dominance you need to do more than win one slam, if the other guy wins three. That is unless you think Del Potro will sweep almost all the Masters or something (for the record he hasnt even won one to date).

I agree. Then it will be Djokovic as the most dominant player.

Out of the top contenders, Murray is too unstable. Fed's a little too old.

Nadal is in his 8th year winning slams, will be at 700 matches in 2012, and has been figured out by World #1. There is no historical evidence on many players overcoming such obstacles.

The only other potential is Delpo. Unless you think guys like Dmitrov, Harrision, Tomic, Raonic, Dolgoplov, Gulbis etc will suddenly dominate.

[Feña14]

Essentially what we have seen over the past years is :

2007-Federer
2008-Nadal
2009-Federer
2010-Nadal
2011-Djokovic

These guys tend not to share the glory, so which one of them will take up the dominant role next year?

Nadal seems to do well every other year, which is understandable considering his playing style. I'd say 2012 will be his turn again, with Djokovic being his main rival. I think Murray will overtake Federer and be a distant 3rd. The rest I can't see doing much.

[MichaelNadal]

You wanna take a BET on that. I am willing to put a wager.

Delpo gets his second slam before Murray gets his first. You heard it here first..

Absolutely. There's no way I see Delpo being fit enough to ever get through 7 best of 5 matches again. No way. At least not before Murray.

[Seany]

It is ridiculous to say Federer in anyway "dominated" 2009. There was no dominant player in 2009, although Nadal clearly would have been without his mid seson injuries.

People don't remember masters series events, people remember slams.

Federer 2009 in the slams.

RU
W
W
RU

And in both of those runner up finishes he had a very good chance of winning. He may not have been dominant in the smaller tournaments, but in slams he was by far the best player in 2009.

[TopFH]

^He choked on the ones he lost.

[Rock Strongo]

Why haven't anyone mentioned Raonic?

Anyway, to be honest I think Djokovic will remain dominant next year. Delpo will cement himself in the top 5 and Murray will finally emerge. Also, Roddick for Olympic gold/Wimbledon? I hope so...

Also, watch out for Federer. I think he'll floor it next year.

[christinamaniac7]

Nadal probably.

But really, nole will have another good year if not exactly as perfect as '11...

[Homeboy Hotel]

Obviously Andy Murray...

[christinamaniac7]

Why haven't anyone mentioned Raonic?

Anyway, to be honest I think Djokovic will remain dominant next year. Delpo will cement himself in the top 5 and Murray will finally emerge. Also, Roddick for Olympic gold/Wimbledon? I hope so...

Also, watch out for Federer. I think he'll floor it next year.

Raonic to dominate the tour?? You've gotta be kidding me...

Btw- What about nadal then?

[Rock Strongo]

Raonic to dominate the tour?? You've gotta be kidding me...

Btw- What about nadal then?

I was just joking about Raonic, though I expect him to crack the top 15.

I think next year Nadal's grinding playing style will finally take its toll on him. Either he'll be out with injuries or he's going to dominate the softer surface which is clay. I don't see him cracking through at the hardcourts though as they can be tough on his body. However, I see no reason for him not to reach at least the QF's of both hardcourt slams and perhaps walk away with a HC 1000.

[Set Sampras]

Nole won't dominate to this degree next year. This was pretty much his peak year. its very hard to keep that level of play up especially with the way he plays.

[zagor]

It's a close call between Novak and Nadal, sure Novak had Nadal's number this year but Nadal was also very consistant in getting to the late stages of tourneys so if Novak level dips Nadal could easily dominate, then again maybe Nadal will star to show first signs of decline next year so it's hard to say.

Either way can't see anyone winning 2-3 slams next year other than Novak or Nadal, it's possible they might split slams like this year but I have a feeling one of Fed, Murray or Delpo are gonna sneak one slam with the rest of 3 being divided between Novak and Nadal.

[MichaelNadal]

It's a close call between Novak and Nadal, sure Novak had Nadal's number this year but Nadal was also very consistant in getting to the late stages of tourneys so if Novak level dips Nadal could easily dominate, then again maybe Nadal will star to show first signs of decline next year so it's hard to say.

Either way can't see anyone winning 2-3 slams next year other than Novak or Nadal, it's possible they might split slams like this year but I have a feeling one of Fed, Murray or Delpo are gonna sneak one slam with the rest of 3 being divided between Novak and Nadal.

Lol @ ur sig. I loved when he said that.

[HiroProtagonist]

Djoko starts the year slow Fed dominates, end up with Fed taking AO and Wimby, Nadal takes FO, Djoko takes USO.

[zagor]

Lol @ ur sig. I loved when he said that.

Yeah, it made me chuckle as well. Overall I think I like Nadal's interviews for the past 2 years more than before, can't really say if it's due to his improved English or maybe him getting used to all the media/press conference ruckus that is part of being a big star tennis player. and loosening up a bit.

[TennisFan3]

It's a close call between Novak and Nadal,.

You REALLY believe Nadal will beat Djoko again at any slam? Especially after what happened in Wimbledon, UsOpen? For Nadal to win a slam someone else will need to take out Djoko. Next yr, Nadal will be 700 matches+ and 8 years winning slams, so he most likely won't be improving. And if there was a quick strategic or tactical fix (to beat Djoko), Nadal would have implemented it already in the past 6 matches in 9 months.

It's like Fed against Nadal. IF you see carefully, Fed has BETTER tactics against Nadal, "now", than he did until 2009. Still, because Fed is past his prime he cannot execute consistently and beat Nadal. Which is why people generally give an edge to Nadal in their slam matches.

Personally, I would love to see Del Potro and Murray (especially DP ) step up in 2012. More competition and unpredictability at the later rounds of slams will be good.

[zagor]

You REALLY believe Nadal will beat Djoko again at any slam? Especially after what happened in Wimbledon, UsOpen? For Nadal to win a slam someone else will need to take out Djoko. Next yr, Nadal will be 700 matches+ and 8 years winning slams, so he most likely won't be improving. And if there was a quick strategic or tactical fix (to beat Djoko), Nadal would have implemented it already in the past 6 matches in 9 months..

Yes, I would be very suprised if Nadal didn't beat Novak never beat Nadal in any slam again but it's not just that, if Novak's level drops even 5% next year he might not even reach a slam final to play Nadal in the 1st place.

This year Novak lost before final in FO and was one point away from that happening in USO as well. Not to mention his close matches with Tomic and Tsonga at Wimbledon this year(what if Tomic was more experienced or if Tsonga served out the first set?). The only slam this year where Novak was rock solid from start to finish was AO, in the rest some chinks in his armor were starting to show, not to mention that he did take the tour by the storm this year, no one saw it coming but next year we might see more players coming up with new tactics/solutions for Novak 2.0.

It's like Fed against Nadal. IF you see carefully, Fed has BETTER tactics against Nadal, "now", than he did until 2009. Still, because Fed is past his prime he cannot execute consistently and beat Nadal. Which is why people generally give an edge to Nadal in their slam matches.

At this moment it's nothing like Fed against Nadal really, for Fed time is quickly working against him while Nadal is roughly the same age as Novak so he has more room to maneuver and find a solution or just seize the opportunity when Novak's level drops (a real possibility, especially with Novak's style of play).

Personally, I would love to see Del Potro and Murray (especially DP ) step up in 2012. More competition and unpredictability at the later rounds of slams will be good.

Wouldn't mind that at all although would really like to see Novak win FO next year to complete a career slam, now is the best chance for him.

[MichaelNadal]

Yes, I would be very suprised if Nadal didn't beat Novak never beat Nadal in any slam again but it's not just that, if Novak's level drops even 5% next year he might not even reach a slam final to play Nadal in the 1st place.

This year Novak lost before final in FO and was one point away from that happening in USO as well. Not to mention his close matches with Tomic and Tsonga at Wimbledon this year(what if Tomic was more experienced or if Tsonga served out the first set?). The only slam this year where Novak was rock solid from start to finish was AO, in the rest some chinks in his armor were starting to show, not to mention that he did take the tour by the storm this year, no one saw it coming but next year we might see more players coming up with new tactics/solutions for Novak 2.0.



At this moment it's nothing like Fed against Nadal really, for Fed time is quickly working against him while Nadal is roughly the same age as Novak so he has more room to maneuver and find a solution or just seize the opportunity when Novak's level drops (a real possibility, especially with Novak's style of play).



Wouldn't mind that at all although would really like to see Novak win FO next year to complete a career slam, now is the best chance for him.

Very good point, and I agree.

[Gizo]

Hopefully there is no dominant force next year. I want to see a year with 4 different grand slam champions, and an exciting and close race for the year end no. 1 ranking. We haven't had either of those things since 2003.

[tenniselbow1]

Yeah, it made me chuckle as well. Overall I think I like Nadal's interviews for the past 2 years more than before, can't really say if it's due to his improved English or maybe him getting used to all the media/press conference ruckus that is part of being a big star tennis player. and loosening up a bit.

This is basically the only thing I admire about Nadal. Your completely right that it took him 100 weeks at number 1 to loosen up to be completely honest in his interviews. He's built his career mimicking Roger and this is one of the more solid things he's picked up. Its unbelievable that he's more rational about his capabilities than most of the *******s that worship him. When the guy loses 15 straight times to Novak (and Roger holds his ground ) in the near future your going to see Rafa assessing the situation honestly and that is to say that both of these players are more talented and versatile than he is or ever was. He'll explain the reasons he's had success in the past versus Roger with never before seen clarity as his ego will finally be put in place. Tony hinted at it after Rafa's FO win this year. The dynamics of the big three will be basically SPELT OUT for all to see, or should I say for the *******s to see.