Finally a big 4 free zone! Who will win??? Lets be hypothetical!!#<3# :)

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

I guess I'm in a Slam frame of mind right now.

Thats ok.
I still dont think Wawrinka would take all the slams. I think even w the big 4 out he has max one slam left in him. Probably AO.

 

[Thundergod]

If you include Masters, then there would be different winners left and right. In a whole calendar year without the Big 4, I wouldn't be surprised if there were 5-8 different winners. Probably closer to 6-7 imo.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

If you include Masters, then there would be different winners left and right. In a whole calendar year without the Big 4, I wouldn't be surprised if there were 5-8 different winners. Probably closer to 6-7 imo.

We only have masters on 2 different surfaces.
Thiem big fav for the Clay.
Whats in stall for HC?

Kyrgios!

 

[Thundergod]

We only have masters on 2 different surfaces.
Thiem big fav for the Clay.
Whats in stall for HC?

Kyrgios!

Thiem is the only one I see consistent enough on a surface to win multiple masters, but there's only 3 clay masters for him. Everyone else aren't consistent/good enough to win like 3+ masters in a year.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Thiem is the only one I see consistent enough on a surface to win multiple masters, but there's only 3 clay masters for him. Everyone else aren't consistent/good enough to win like 3+ masters in a year.

What do you picture? A Rafa kind of career w improvements from now on Hard? I do. But he has won Stuttgart. In a way hope he never really focusing too much on grass, but HC besides clay.
Kyrgios is my dream and hope for Wimbledon, Sasha too.

Im excited for the HC season (I always get excited for season change, then 9 out of 10 times get dissapointed, I never learn )
Im not dreaming of any injuries, and I dont wish that for happen. But Fedal are old and more injury prone than ever. If they go deep in the upcoming masters its just a small injury that these sensitive primadonnas can take before it affects their game massively.
We can be in a situation that all big 4 are actually out, or maybe 3 of them.
Who the heck will take down the upcoming HC season?

 

[Get A Grip]

I pick Thiem as the one most likely to win a slam, besides Wawrinka.
I don't see Wawrinka doing much though, based on recent performances.
And though i think Thiem is the most complete of the young ones, his best surface is clay, and he not winning RG if things stay the same with one of the unmentionables in the coming years.
So maybe not Thiem! UNless he's as good on HC.
Given the kind of constant injuries and withdrawls Nish has had recently, very hard to picture him doing anything big.
Cilic still could, and should, and should have damnit!
AZ was disappointing in Halle and Wimb. THoght grass would be his best surface. But he's just 20, he should get there too.
Gulbs? I love watching him too, but I think you're dreaming ...
Nick? After reading that recent New Yorker article where he lets his true feelings hang out to dry, I seriously doubt he will ever put in the work, and acheive the mental fortitude necessary to get it done. Seems he doesn't really care anyway....

 

[Deleted member 307496]

Who on grass?

I think Thiem beats Waw on clay, in masters and slams.

LOL.

Thiem is completely overrated on here. Makes JCF look like an ATG.

He isn't touching any top player in decent form. He's the Gasquet of his generation.

 

[Thundergod]

What do you picture? A Rafa kind of career w improvements from now on Hard? I do. But he has won Stuttgart. In a way hope he never really focusing too much on grass, but HC besides clay.
Kyrgios is my dream and hope for Wimbledon, Sasha too.

Im excited for the HC season (I always get excited for season change, then 9 out of 10 times get dissapointed, I never learn )
Im not dreaming of any injuries, and I dont wish that for happen. But Fedal are old and more injury prone than ever. If they go deep in the upcoming masters its just a small injury that these sensitive primadonnas can take before it affects their game massively.
We can be in a situation that all big 4 are actually out, or maybe 3 of them.
Who the heck will take down the upcoming HC season?

Thiem won't do much damage off clay until he learns how properly construct points on them. Kyrgios needs to get his head screwed on straight or else he won't win anything.

If Fed continues what he's doing and Rafa plays as well as he did during Spring HC, then you shouldn't get too excited (well I would). Those two in full flight should be expected to wipe up everyone.

At least you can be excited for Washington since they aren't there lol.

 

[Van Der Skljo]

Wawrinka is boring choice. Its so disappointing to see people cheering always for those with most trophies. Its like sayin Murray if big3 was out.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Thiem won't do much damage off clay until he learns how properly construct points on them. Kyrgios needs to get his head screwed on straight or else he won't win anything.

If Fed continues what he's doing and Rafa plays as well as he did during Spring HC, then you shouldn't get too excited (well I would). Those two in full flight should be expected to wipe up everyone.

At least you can be excited for Washington since they aren't there lol.

This was an attempt to picture tennis with other players and try to guess who would win then

Zverev has won more than Fed had done same age. What is one of these younger are late bloomers to? Maybe Thiem is a late bloomer on high bouncing HC?
Its not fedals form I am looking forward to in masters and USO, but to see what these younger has been up to since last time we saw them. And now on a different surface. My dream is huge upsets done by Sasha and Thiem Realistically Lucas too since he is good on HC.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Wawrinka is boring choice. Its so disappointing to see people cheering always for those with most trophies. Its like sayin Murray if big3 was out.

Agree. Its a super boring choice. And to think he is better than Thiem on clay now makes me wonder if these only watch Slam winners play matches. To even propose Waw can do anything on grass.. Thats even stranger.

Mentioned Fed as a late bloomer earlier, many did not see what he later did was in the writings.

Some of these players mentioned in this thread will make slams and they will beat slam winners. But who will it be? Who will get their game together like the slam winners before them have done?

Im hoping for Thiem in RG already in 2018.
HC is more unknown, who will bloom there. Thats why this upcoming season is very exciting for me, see who has the potential.
I feel Im one of the few in here into this. It is a lot of fun because so many players are interesting.

Rublev is a future candinate on HC. I do think Thiem could do more on HC.
For me its Thiem, Sasha and Pouille the 3 musketeers. Not only great players but cool personalities too that could do good for tennis. We also neen a villain which is Kyrgios. Would Tomic to get his **** together as well. Huge talents.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

LOL.

Thiem is completely overrated on here. Makes JCF look like an ATG.

He isn't touching any top player in decent form. He's the Gasquet of his generation.

Zed is ahead of Fed. Not many thought Fed would be a multiple GS winner when he was 20, a late bloomer.

Some of these youngsters will win slams, but who? Who do you think has the most potential?

 

[chjtennis]

Zverev has already proven he can win M1000 in Rome.

 

[gn]

I want a Nishikori vs Thiem US Open Final with Nishikori winning the title. @Meles

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

I pick Thiem as the one most likely to win a slam, besides Wawrinka.
I don't see Wawrinka doing much though, based on recent performances.
And though i think Thiem is the most complete of the young ones, his best surface is clay, and he not winning RG if things stay the same with one of the unmentionables in the coming years.
So maybe not Thiem! UNless he's as good on HC.
Given the kind of constant injuries and withdrawls Nish has had recently, very hard to picture him doing anything big.
Cilic still could, and should, and should have damnit!
AZ was disappointing in Halle and Wimb. THoght grass would be his best surface. But he's just 20, he should get there too.
Gulbs? I love watching him too, but I think you're dreaming ...
Nick? After reading that recent New Yorker article where he lets his true feelings hang out to dry, I seriously doubt he will ever put in the work, and acheive the mental fortitude necessary to get it done. Seems he doesn't really care anyway....

Zed in Halle was great until the final. There he was flat. Zed has a problem in Majors which is very evident right now. Due to his performances in other tournaments(he beat Cilic, and I expected him to do so) he should have gone further in majors and also wtf happened in the Halle final. In Halle he also played doubles matches. His team I am sure addressing these issues now. Curious to which Sasha we will see next weeks.

Gulbis-- its a dream. A really nice dream

 

[-NN-]

I think the Majors will fall into place for Zverev when he stops looking like a true real life container for hot drinks at the net and can actually finish more of his attacks there rather than depending solely on baseline machismo.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

I think the Majors will fall into place for Zverev when he stops looking like a true real life container for hot drinks at the net and can actually finish more of his attacks there rather than depending solely on baseline machismo.

That is an obvious feature many of us Sasha fans would hope for, and at least I dont think he will ever be very comfy at the net. But he needs to get better at it. It looks like he almost freezes there and has some kind of a blockage, specially if he is not on the run. He is very tall, but has quite good movement elsewhere on court, so its doable.

 

[-NN-]

That is an obvious feature many of us Sasha fans would hope for, and at least I dont think he will ever be very comfy at the net. But he needs to get better at it. It looks like he almost freezes there and has some kind of a blockage, specially if he is not on the run. He is very tall, but has quite good movement elsewhere on court, so its doable.

Yep, he just needs to be confident in himself to make all the stock net plays. He doesn't need to be a hero up there. It's a problem but he has a nice bro who can help him, a bro with all the stock net plays.

It's about finding that edge.

Many are very proficient from the baseline, but if you have those extra wrinkles to your game you can gain that edge.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

I want a Nishikori vs Thiem US Open Final with Nishikori winning the title. @Meles

Are you following Keis career closely? What exact are his injuries?

He needs to stay off those noodles! Not good for inflammation. And raw fat fish is full of heavy metals.
Idk, but his injuries has kept that man from practicing more and developing. He could have won slams by now. Annoying all his injuries, would have been really cool if he was a consistent top 4 player.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Yep, he just needs to be confident in himself to make all the stock net plays. He doesn't need to be a hero up there. It's a problem but he has a nice bro who can help him, a bro with all the stock net plays.

It's about finding that edge.

Many are very proficient from the baseline, but if you have those extra wrinkles to your game you can gain that edge.

He has an addition to his team now that could help him w this, a previous USO finalist.
I mean, this must be an issue they are trying to work out. He needs his baseline game which is his biggest weapon. And his serve. He cant afford to loose any of that. But he needs as you say more, to win a point here and there at the net. He is not good it at all now, so he has a lot of potential, should be possible to get a bit better than he is now.

 

[-NN-]

He has an addition to his team now that could help him w this, a previous USO finalist.
I mean, this must be an issue they are trying to work out. He needs his baseline game which is his biggest weapon. And his serve. He cant afford to loose any of that. But he needs as you say more, to win a point here and there at the net. He is not good it at all now, so he has a lot of potential, should be possible to get a bit better than he is now.

I have no doubt about that personally. He's only 20 and already a dayum good player - he's not close to plateauing. I also very much like the Ferrero pickup on paper.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

Where's Borna Coric?

These Serbs are good, ya know

 

[-NN-]

Where's Borna Coric?

These Serbs are good, ya know

Solidly positioned and setting himself up well enough for the time being I suppose but he's finding it hard to break through that wall I figured he'd be banging into because being a competitor and a gym rat only gets you so far. Still one of the best prospects in his age bracket.

 

[Mazz Retic]

Best of 3, Kyrgios on hard, Thiem on Clay, Cilic on grass.
Best of 5 (slam), Wawrinka on hard, Thiem on Clay, Cilic on grass

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Where's Borna Coric?

These Serbs are good, ya know

He is Croatian.
He just Withdrew from Umag, Croatia Open. So I guess injured... again
Rublev won that tournament because of that, as a Lucky looser.

Rublev-- maybe of all the young players I see most potential. A teen too. He has been super exciting to watch on grass. And seem to like clay too. Cant wait to see what he can do on HC!

 

[-NN-]

Yeah also that reminds me of another issue I have with Coric. Hasn't he already had knee surgery?? Probably ravages his body in the gym.

I like the Canadians but they are very very young right now and won't do anything for probably a long while.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

He is Croatian.
He just Withdrew from Umag, Croatia Open. So I guess injured... again
Rublev won that tournament because of that, as a Lucky looser.

Rublev-- maybe of all the young players I see most potential. A teen too. He has been super exciting to watch on grass. And seem to like clay too. Cant wait to see what he can do on HC!

Solidly positioned and setting himself up well enough for the time being I suppose but he's finding it hard to break through that wall I figured he'd be banging into because being a competitor and a gym rat only gets you so far. Still one of the best prospects in his age bracket.

Coric and Kyrgios will contest a slam final in the future.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Coric and Kyrgios will contest a slam final in the future.

@Noleberic123 Do you agree?
(Im so sorry for the injury break! This thread not about the big 4, but I wanted to say it anyway)

 

[guanzishou]

The big one with the elegant stroke. S*****s.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Yeah also that reminds me of another issue I have with Coric. Hasn't he already had knee surgery?? Probably ravages his body in the gym.

I like the Canadians but they are very very young right now and won't do anything for probably a long while.

When having so much injury problems at young age it can destroy a lot of valuable practice. Coric was a youngster favorite of mine along w Thiem a couple of years ago. I have been following Coric closely for some time, but he has been much away.
I really like that he is angry and wants to win so much. Sometimes I wonder if he is too competetive and trains too hard.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

When having so much injury problems at young age it can destroy a lot of valuable practice. Coric was a youngster favorite of mine along w Thiem a couple of years ago. I have been following Coric closely for some time, but he has been much away.
I really like that he is angry and wants to win so much. Sometimes I wonder if he is too competetive and trains too hard.

I love the angry, defiant players too.

 

[-NN-]

When having so much injury problems at young age it can destroy a lot of valuable practice. Coric was a youngster favorite of mine along w Thiem a couple of years ago. I have been following Coric closely for some time, but he has been much away.
I really like that he is angry and wants to win so much. Sometimes I wonder if he is too competetive and trains too hard.

Think you're onto something and he needs to relax a bit. Can't question his desire and will at least to this stage. He's very committed to becoming the best tennis player he can be but it can be easy to overdo things and not everybody is built to last through such intensity like Nadal. I think he should be working on his skills more than anything, which he might already be doing - I'm really not sure. In the earlier days though he prided himself on being a real gym rat. His technique is very punchy and I liken it to a boxing style (he also loves boxing). So, even his playing style is sort of uptight. He could be looser (not the same as loser) and it could benefit him going forward.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Yeah also that reminds me of another issue I have with Coric. Hasn't he already had knee surgery?? Probably ravages his body in the gym.

I like the Canadians but they are very very young right now and won't do anything for probably a long while.

Canadians- is it Shapo you are referring to? I havent watched a lot from him. Just a few matches. Now watched a challenger he won in the weekend. I have to get more into him.

Lucas Pouille is a player that I could see do better. He can fight back being under. He has a game to my likings and he is a player crowd love to watch, he has something special. Tennis as a sport is kind of falling, less and less popular. So tennis needs some personalities.
If Kyrgios did something big, it would make waves. So Im hoping for him, maybe a long shot.

 

[-NN-]

Canadians- is it Shapo you are referring to? I havent watched a lot from him. And just a few matches. Just watched a challenger he won in the weekend. I have to get more into him.

Lucas Pouille is a player that I could see do better. He can fight back being under. He has a game to my likings and he is a player crowd love to watch, he has something special. Tennis as a sport is kind of falling, less and less popular. So tennis needs some personalities.
If Kyrgios did something big, it would make waves. So Im hoping for him, maybe a long shot.

Yes, Shapovalov and Felix. I still like Kyrgios a lot as well. Pouille is a very good athlete I think, and a pretty skilled player who has the potential for perennial top-ten status. Whether he converts such a status into a Slam unlike say perennial top-tenner Berdych is another question.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

I love the angry, defiant players too.

Right now w all the "perfect top 4-5" its refreshing w a younger w more passion and energy. Think tennis needs that too. Specially for the really young players, they cant relate to the 30+ players in that way.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

Right now w all the "perfect top 4-5" its refreshing w a younger w more passion and energy. Think tennis needs that too. Specially for the really young players, they cant relate to the 30+ players in that way.

I consider Djokovic "defiant". But I know what you mean. The top guys are all very polished in interviews etc. Contrast that with the 70s/80s. Not enough hatred in tennis at the moment.

 

[-NN-]

Couldn't agree more. Djokovic is the great Defier, as I call him, but he's really rather perfect and self concerned just like Nadal and Federer.

I want a rebel and more transparent fighters.

 

[-NN-]

If I had to name the Big Three era I'd call it the Perfection Era. Now give me a Rebel era or at least something more balanced.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

If I had to name the Big Three era I'd call it the Perfection Era. Now give me a Rebel era or at least something more balanced.

I can see why you're a Nick Kyrgios fan. Well, I'm sure you like his game too. I do too (although I prefer other styles). But I'm not sure he has the game or patience to win consistently, particular on slower courts. Hopefully he evolves a bit.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

I consider Djokovic "defiant". But I know what you mean. The top guys are all very polished in interviews etc. Contrast that with the 70s/80s. Not enough hatred in tennis at the moment.

Its not only about hatred, but about showing emotions on court.
The interviews w the top 4 are pretty dull. They are sponsored to hell and back and cant really say anything. Even Novak has become polished. It makes the difference to Tomic and Kyrgios so big.
Even in here you see many posters are reacting strong to that Tomic went to a strip club or a 22 year old Nick went clubbing in the most awesome capital in the world for that sort of stuff-- London. Like these tennis players are supposed to be some sort of saints and being "perfect". Its like we are going back to times to when tennis was a small very posh sport before Borgs time. We are going the wrong direction. Tennis needs badly villains and outspoken players!

 

[Deleted member 716271]

Its not only about hatred, but about showing emotions on court.
The interviews w the top 4 are pretty dull. They are sponsored to hell and back and cant really say anything. Even Novak has become polished. It makes the difference to Tomic and Kyrgios so big.
Even in here you see many posters are reacting strong to that Tomic went to a strip club or a 22 year old Nick went clubbing in the most awesome capital in the world for that sort of stuff-- London. Like these tennis players are supposed to be some sort of saints and being "perfect". Its like we are going back to times to when tennis was a small very posh sport before Borgs time. We are going the wrong direction. Tennis needs badly villains and outspoken players!

Yeah, what is considered "bad behavior" in tennis is a bit laughable compared to other sports. It's definitely become more genteel. I think players are very concerned with their image in the age of social media.

 

[-NN-]

All the top players from the Perfection Era are grandiose. They are kings.

Nick has no choice but to evolve his game if he really wants to compete at the top end, especially on return and in maintaining a consistently hungry attitude. Everything else I like muchly.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

All the top players from the Perfection Era are grandiose. They are kings.

Nick has no choice but to evolve his game if he really wants to compete at the top end, especially on return and in maintaining a consistently hungry attitude. Everything else I like muchly.

Kyrgios-- he was so close beating Fed in Miami.
And on grass Kyrgios could do something . Too bad he is injured now. Him winning old minded Wimbledon would be so cool. Rock up the old crowd there.

 

[-NN-]

Kyrgios-- he was so close beating Fed in Miami.
And on grass Kyrgios could do something . Too bad he is injured now. Him winning old minded Wimbledon would be so cool. Rock up the old crowd there.

I was even rooting for Kyrgios in that one. When I hear the words hip and injury I get worried.

 

[junior74]

Wawrinka is boring choice. Its so disappointing to see people cheering always for those with most trophies. Its like sayin Murray if big3 was out.

Stan has been the 2nd best slam player in 2014-16. Maybe boring to you, but true.

If this about crazy hopes:

AO - Gulbis
RG - Ruud
W - Lopez
US - Tiafoe

You like?

 

[Deleted member 716271]

@-NN- did you ever like Nadal. I realize Ralph is your least favorite of the top guys.

He did have that whole rebel pirate (albeit in capris) thing going on a decade ago. He was always respectful and humble "humbalito" from the beginning though. And definitely seems part of the status quo.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

I was even rooting for Kyrgios in that one. When I hear the words hip and injury I get worried.

When the big 4 plays each other I have my favorites. But when my favorites play Kyrgios, Thiem, Sasha, Lucas etc I root for new blood! Ive been like this for a couple of years. When its only these multiple slam winners left for the final I get a little bored. Its not that exiting anymore. Something is missing from the sport.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

@-NN- did you ever like Nadal. I realize Ralph is your least favorite of the top guys.

He did have that whole rebel pirate (albeit in capris) thing going on a decade ago. He was always respectful and humble "humbalito" from the beginning though. And definitely seems part of the status quo.

@-NN-
Lets try to keep one thread w no big 4 talk
Was sort of the point of this thread. A big 4 free Zone!

 

[TearTheRoofOff]

I was even rooting for Kyrgios in that one. When I hear the words hip and injury I get worried.

A perfect example of your best efforts not coinciding with results. Kyrgios was a point or two away from the Miami final, and a high probability of winning his first Masters 1000. I hope he comes back strong because the guy is a beast.

 

[-NN-]

@-NN- did you ever like Nadal. I realize Ralph is your least favorite of the top guys.

He did have that whole rebel pirate (albeit in capris) thing going on a decade ago. He was always respectful and humble "humbalito" from the beginning though. And definitely seems part of the status quo.

Nope and I never bought into the humbalito stuff either. I don't mind an ass-shat as long as they're real, which doesn't excuse Connor's behaviour but I can't help but like him when looking back on as much as I possibly can. What I did like is the rivalry he brought to the game which was much needed, and then what I didn't like is how one-sided it became.

**
As per Ghost's request, no more He Who Shall Not Be Named x 4 talk.