Year End #1 - who except Federer?

[kOaMaster]

We are already in March and currently it's really hard to see who will end the year as number one or at least put himself into position?
Federer is leading the race with 3110 points - followed by Del Potro & Cilic but both significantly back. Both aren't exactly favourites on clay either, Federer and perhaps Delpo even leaving it out completely, so those 5000 points are up to grabs for someone else. In Wimbledon, those three (maybe together with Raonic) will be favourites again.

So who is going to step up and challenge the position? Nadal regaining it seems unlikely this year but who knows (he is at 360 points so far...)?
Is Chung ready? Will Dimitrov finally step up at Majors?
A Murray / Djokovic comeback would be a huge surprise to me.

Either we will have a big surprise or it's "just" going to be Federer, again.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

I'd be shocked if it was anyone other than Federer or Nadal. If Nadal isn't still injured through Clay, then it'll be him and Fed battling for it again.

If he is or if he has a poor clay season (lol), I can't see Federer not getting it.

Federer will be ready to rumble again after a long break.

 

[Jackuar]

Federer will seal his YE1 just before start of WTF. You heard it first here. Most probably it will be either him winning Basel or Nadal losing early at Paris that will seal the deal. 2018 WTF will be a tourney to decide who will finish #3, 4, 5 and 6 - rather than #1, 2 or 7, 8.

As for poll, I voted Nadal, coz no one else seems to have balls merely to beat a dead horse.

 

[Deleted member 742196]

@sureshs has as much a chance at YE#1 as others on this list.

I’m going with the TT champ. Proven commodity.

 

[Gary Duane]

In order for Fed or Nadal not to end up #1 again, someone else needs to win a slam, and of course Rafa needs to win RG again to be in contention.

So now the big questions:

Who will win Wimbledon and the USO?

Who else besides Rafa can win RG?

Too early to guess.

 

[Username_]

TTPS will be year end no.1

 

[Tennis_Hands]

It is going to be a three way tie between Federer, Nadal and Del Potro, or two way tie between Nadal and Del Potro.

 

[Thomas195]

It is going to be a three way tie between Federer, Nadal and Del Potro, or two way tie between Nadal and Del Potro.

Delpo? His only chance is the USO series and probably the late season, and he still has to compete with Fedal and Cilic.

In Wimbledon, even Raonic has more chance if he can lose enough weight on time. Same with Thiem on clay.

 

[Chicharito]

Nadal, Delpo, Cilic and Zverev. Still give Djoker a shot though he looks a long way off.

A couple of Masters and a Slam will have you close. WTF big too.

 

[Phoenix1983]

Roger Federer, the GOAT, shall reign supreme for a sixth time as year end No 1.

So be it.

 

[helixx]

Nadal, Delpo, Cilic and Zverev. Still give Djoker a shot though he looks a long way off.

A couple of Masters and a Slam will have you close. WTF big too.

Zverev is 33 in race to london, has to defend two master titles, is totally out of form but he has a shot on ye#1?

 

[reaper]

There are more possibilities this year than most others I recall. There's no one stepping up to anything like the level Federer/Nadal/Djokovic have shown the last 15 years, but Federer and Nadal aren't defending the points they won in 2017. If it's to be a first time number 1 at YE, Cilic is the obvious candidate.

 

[Sudacafan]

All responses should be of the conditional sort.
If x happens, then player A will get it.
Too many ifs.

So, in that line:
If Nadal can come back and maintain himself uninjured for the clay season and US Open, I say it has to be Nadal.
Federer playing half schedule won't get it done in those circumstances, he has resigned a lot of chances not repeating his Sunshine Double.
And Del Potro does not have the physical condition to get a YE#1 ranking, though he is playing amazingly. In the end, he will gas out, as he is used to. On top of that, he is skipping clay. He can't do what Federer did in 2017 and be a candidate for YE#1.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Nadal, Delpo, Cilic and Zverev. .

Zverev has done absolutely nothing since Montreal and he wouldn't have won there had Fed not been completely motionless due to a bad back. The chances of him defending both his Masters 1000 seem minuscule at this point. He has literally no chance to be anywhere near the YE #1.

 

[FHtennisman]

Cilic will definitely have a chance at YE #1 if Fedal don't do well at their respective pet tournaments from MC to Wimby, though you could include TRS for Fed too. He's also someone who can turn the completely opposite direction and disappear into irrelevance for several months at a time, so his progress consistently throughout the season will be interesting.

I don't see anyone else coming close, maybe Delpo but I doubt he'll be able to keep up his current streak for much longer and also his effectiveness on HC isn't all that well translated to clay and grass and by then, it can potentially mean he has too much of a points difference to overcome and he's always prone to an injury, so he's not a reliable bet to end at the top. I think he might be good for the top 5 if he keeps his HC level there or there abouts to what it currently is.

 

[zagor]

DImitrov as an option? Lol, I love TTW.

My first pick is still Nadal with Fed behind him and Delpo/Cilic as outside contenders.

Can't see anyone else really. Maybe if Novak miraculously gets his mojo back and bulks up but hard to see that happening this year.

 

[Jontyg]

Olllleeee...ole..ole..ole...Delpo....Delpo....

 

[Pheasant]

Cilic seems like the most logical pick right now, besides Nadal and Federer. Delpo could get injured at anytime. Dimitrov seems like a long shot. And Zverev hasn't proven anything yet.

I'd be happy if Federer ends up in the top 2 this year. There is a ton of tennis to be played this year.

 

[ChaelAZ]

I'll go out on a limb, and based on points and steady showings it will be Cilic. He was right there for Wimby last year, can play well on HC for the USO. He won a clay title last year and is a 50/50 player overall on dirt so without points to really defend can make a move.

 

[VolleyHelena]

Behind Federer,Del Potro looks good for the top ranking.

His favorite part of the season is still remaining (US Open and indoors) and he's already 2nd in the race.

YE #1 will be between them with Wimbledon and US Open crucial tournaments for determining who comes out on top

 

[r2473]

Busta

He's winning everything on clay and then taking the US Open.

 

[Pagoo]

Acutally, Federer isn't a lock. He started last year with more points and still lost the race.

If Delpo wins, he will be just a couple hundred points behind Fed. With Federer not playing until June, I can see him bumped down to 3-4 in the race.

Don't forget clay goat is coming back and could easily overtake Federer in the race by the end of Rome.

 

[Red Rick]

 

[AlexanderTheGreat08]

If Delpo wins Miami and goes well at the Clay season( Even though he will have a short one) and also finds a good Grass form cause he's not defending points at Wimbledon, Also continues his good HC form to the end of the year, He can definitely at least get to the Number 2 spot that no one outside the big 4 has touched since July 2005

 

[Thundergod]

Probably Fed or Nadal still depending on how many events each play. I dont think they will be scoring 10k points, but they should be at the top even scoring ugly (like 7k points lol).

Delpo or Cilic as possible outsiders if they go on legendary heaters.

 

[r2473]

Geriatric tennis is tough to predict. Who knows what Nadal or Fed will do this year. And if they don't win the majors, YE#1 is up for grabs this year. Great opportunity for lot's of guys to "vulture" a YE#1.

 

[kOaMaster]

what do the betting sites say?

 

[Russeljones]

For once I'd love it if Nadal does it. Think of the memes.

 

[JackGates]

Acutally, Federer isn't a lock. He started last year with more points and still lost the race.

If Delpo wins, he will be just a couple hundred points behind Fed. With Federer not playing until June, I can see him bumped down to 3-4 in the race.

Don't forget clay goat is coming back and could easily overtake Federer in the race by the end of Rome.

Of course he ins't a lock, but he is the huge favourite. A lot has to go wrong for Fed not to ending up year end nr.1.

 

[JackGates]

Geriatric tennis is tough to predict. Who knows what Nadal or Fed will do this year. And if they don't win the majors, YE#1 is up for grabs this year. Great opportunity for lot's of guys to "vulture" a YE#1.

Fed is so ahead, that he doesn't need to win majors to end up year end nr.1. He just needs to be decent. Making W and USO quarters and some master semis.

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

ABTN

 

[zagor]

ABTN

Anyone but the Nieminen? But he's been retired for few years already (and Finnish for his entire life).

 

[kOaMaster]

Fed is so ahead, that he doesn't need to win majors to end up year end nr.1. He just needs to be decent. Making W and USO quarters and some master semis.

This is not true. It would be a huge surprise if Federer was still the race leader after the clay season, he's got only 3110. There are alone 2000 points for the french open - who ever takes those points is VERY likely to overtake Federer in the race. if anybody up from the top20 would win it, he'd need just another 600 points (=1 masters final) to do so.

 

[tennisenthusiast]

now tell me who picked Cilic?

 

[sportsfan1]

Really depends on how much Federer and Nadal have left in the tank. Federer looked quite bad losing to JMDP, Kokiinakis, and struggling in three sets against Coric. Are there any physical issues as well? Nadal's new injury raised a lot of questions. Djokovic seems to be some ways from his best, and in hindsight really was the only one holding down Fed and Nadal from dominating the tour 2011-2016.

OTOH, each time they were perceived to be in decline after losses or injuries, they have come back strongly and contending for slams still motivates them greatly. Clay season is around the corner and we all know how that transforms Nadal. He's also the defending USO champion. If Nadal recovers, he would be the favorite.

Federer in his late thirties would be hard to see dominating for long stretches. The slams he's won the last two years, Oz x 2 and Wimby have both been immediately after extended breaks, and he struggled physically last year in the North American hard court swing. He also has JMDP as a problem again. Then everything rests on him winning Wimbledon.

 

[Hughjarse]

Miami 2018.

Dimi.... Out
Cilic.....Out
Berd.....Out
Goffin...Out
Djoko...Out

Nadal and Murray absent.
Not even at the qtr final stage yet.

Fed must be on cloud 9.

 

[BeatlesFan]

If Delpo wins Miami and goes well at the Clay season... He can definitely at least get to the Number 2 spot that no one outside the big 4 has touched since July 2005

If Del Po wins Miami, he'll vault to #3, which is amazing considering his past injuries. Since Fed didn't repeat the Sunshine Double and lost points, Del Po can really position himself for the top spot if he wins a slam and does well on clay. It's not inconceivable now that Del Po could be YE #1 if he stays healthy and Fed/Rafa fade or bomb out early in the remaining slams.

 

[tennis_pro]

If Del Po wins Miami, he'll vault to #3, which is amazing considering his past injuries. Since Fed didn't repeat the Sunshine Double and lost points, Del Po can really position himself for the top spot if he wins a slam and does well on clay. It's not inconceivable now that Del Po could be YE #1 if he stays healthy and Fed/Rafa fade or bomb out early in the remaining slams.

Last year Federer had 4000 points at this point in time (wins in AO, IW and Miami). Today he has 3110 which is still very good and this was the biggest block for him to defend. I fully expect him to make the last rounds on grass and be very dangerous on hard courts while still playing a limited schedule.

Unless Nadal dominates clay again Federer is a solid favorite to end the year at no 1 in my eyes. Don't forget Nadal has only gathered 360 points before the clay season compared to 2000+ for 2017 (finals in AO/Acapulco/Miami) so Federer actually gained points on him.

 

[tennis_pro]

If Federer stays healthy I think he'll gather enough points to end 2018 at no 1. Everyone other than Federer and Nadal are too inconsitent to be in the race (that includes Del Potro) and Djokovic/Murray will do well to get back to the top 10. I believe it's all about Nadal in the clay season - if he does well again - it's an open race, if he doesn't - Federer is a solid favorite despite his age.

 

[Rafa the King]

Last year Federer had 4000 points at this point in time (wins in AO, IW and Miami). Today he has 3110 which is still very good and this was the biggest block for him to defend. I fully expect him to make the last rounds on grass and be very dangerous on hard courts while still playing a limited schedule.

Unless Nadal dominates clay again Federer is a solid favorite to end the year at no 1 in my eyes. Don't forget Nadal has only gathered 360 points before the clay season compared to 2000+ for 2017 (finals in AO/Acapulco/Miami) so Federer actually gained points on him.

If Rafa matches his 2017 clay season which is a big if as I haven't seen him on clay this year, then he has a solid chance. Remember he only got something like 3,5k out of a possible 10,5k post RG. He'll most likely need 2 slams to do it, 1 is a given if he's healthy. Outside shot at WIM and as good of a shot as any come USO if he's healthy

 

[r2473]

Busta

He's winning everything on clay and then taking the US Open.

Sticking with my prediction. Total domination today.

 

[titoelcolombiano]

Nadl

 

[clayqueen]

It's too early to have any idea about YE #1. After Wimbledon would be a better time to take a guess.

 

[Sudacafan]

Fed is so ahead, that he doesn't need to win majors to end up year end nr.1. He just needs to be decent. Making W and USO quarters and some master semis.

Fedr chances rely primarily on Nadal’s health and on the lack of consistency of the rest of the field.

 

[JackGates]

Fedr chances rely primarily on Nadal’s health and on the lack of consistency of the rest of the field.

Semantics, doesn't mean anything. I can say that it relies on Fed's consistency and his ability to win without destroying his body. Why is the field inconsistent? It's Fed preventing them to be consistent, because he beats them. Why are they injured? They aren't good enough, because they need 100% to win and destroy their bodies, Fed can win with 90% and save his body.

 

[Sudacafan]

Semantics, doesn't mean anything. I can say that it relies on Fed's consistency and his ability to win without destroying his body. Why is the field inconsistent? It's Fed preventing them to be consistent, because he beats them. Why are they injured? They aren't good enough, because they need 100% to win and destroy their bodies, Fed can win with 90% and save his body.

Fedr almost reached number 1 in 2017 playing much better than this year with a reduced calendar, which he will not expand this year. That is enough to make an reasonable forecast. It is more likely than not, that he will not reach YE#1.

 

[JackGates]

Fedr almost reached number 1 in 2017 playing much better than this year with a reduced calendar, which he will not expand this year. That is enough to make an reasonable forecast. It is more likely than not, that he will not reach YE#1.

But you said this year the field is more injured and inconsistent, so wouldn't that increase Fed's chances? He only needs to be average to seal the nr.1. Delpo, Cilic and Rafa need to perform miracles to surpass Fed.
Rafa was healthy last year on clay, plus he made AO final and did great in the sunshine double.

 

[Rafa's OCD]

Federer will seal his YE1 just before start of WTF. You heard it first here. Most probably it will be either him winning Basel or Nadal losing early at Paris that will seal the deal.

not exactly a leap of faith to say that YE1 will be decided in November

 

[Jackuar]

not exactly a leap of faith to say that YE1 will be decided in November

Obviously, its not a leap of faith but the fact is just that. Neither Fed is playing a full season nor Rafa replicating every success from last year. And no one else taking up the opportunity being given on silver platter.