Blink and you miss the ‘off-season’. For tennis bloggers, there is no off-season! With the Australian Open nearing, it’s an opportunity to examine the newer crop of players who began to make their mark in 2012 and who could be threats to The Firm in 2013.
1. Jerzy Janowicz
Tore through the Paris indoor field in 2012, taking out big name players. Tall and powerful, he will be tough on the fast courts. Aussie Open Prediction: 3rd round
2. Martin Klizan
Was the only 1st time winner of 2012 and was a 4-time winner on the Challenger tour in 2012. Aussie Open Prediction: 2nd round
3. Aljaz Bedene
The Slovenian won 4 Challenger tour titles and is a name to get familiar with (and spell correctly!) Aussie Open Prediction: 2nd round
4. Andrey Kuznetsov
The Russian had a good year in 2012 with 4 Challenger Tour titles after being ‘promising’ for some time. Aussie Open Prediction: 2nd round
5. Roberto Bautista Agut
Jumped up the rankings this year making his first final and this Spaniard has a strong all-round game. Aussie Open Prediction: 2nd round
6. David Goffin
Showed us what he could do at the French Open and belies his pint size. Aussie Open Prediction: 3rd round
7. Rhyne Williams
One of the US’s most promising player and naturally a hard court specialist. He qualified to play here. Aussie Open Prediction: 1st round
8. Evgeny Donskoy
Came good toward the end of the 2012 season totalling 4 Challenger tour titles and is part of the new breed of Russians. Aussie Open Prediction: 2nd round
9. Marinko Matosevic
Australia’s second best player behind Tomic, Marinko cracked the top 30 in 2012. Aussie Open Prediction: 1st round
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10. Brian Baker
The Comeback Kid looks to put together a solid season after his story-book 2012. Aussie Open Prediction: 2nd round
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