The current top 10 have remained fairly fixed for the last few years and the top 4 have had a stranglehold on the men’s game in general. Of course, no player remains the same age and in a few years the top 10 will look very different. The younger generation have struggled a little to make an impression on the top players but the breakthroughs are slowly happening.
What’s interesting is that the traditional tennis powers like France, Spain, Russia and the US are still producing quality players in high numbers, they are not producing the next superstars right now. This could change but Eastern Europe, Canada, Australasia and Japan boast the next elite and truly promotes tennis as world game.
Here’s my pick of the next generation to take over as the 10 best players in the world.
1. Milos Raonic (Canada)
The Missile has been the most dangerous so far of the young bloods with this Sampras-esque bombs and crushing forehand all coming from a 6’5″ frame. Hard courts are his base camp and with 4 titles already, he will be a Grand Slam winner at least at the US Open.
Titles so far: 4
Vs. Top 10: 9-17
2. Bernard Tomic (Australia)
Bernie’s rise through the ranks has been a well-documented roller coaster. Perhaps not enough has been said about his tennis, which is deceptively powerful and comes with the kind of variety of shot making that only Murray and Federer possess.
Titles so far: 1
Vs. Top 10: 2-15
3. Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria)
Touted as the most talented of the new generation, Grigor is starting to make good on that estimation with a big win over Djokovic in Madrid (2013) and stringing the wins together. It’s an impossible task to live up to his hero Federer, but there is no question he will be competing for Grand Slams.
Titles so far: 0
Vs. Top 10: 2-19
4. Kei Nishikori (Japan)
Japan’s most successful player is not intimidated by anyone, evidenced by his his 8 wins over top 10 players. He’s solid as a rock from the baseline and what he lacks in one lethal shot, makes up for in overall shot making. Kei already has wins over Federer and Djokovic.
Titles so far: 3
Vs. Top 10: 8-19
5. Jerzy Janowicz (Poland)
The tall Pole tore through the Paris Masters event in 2012, which served notice to the tennis world. He’s temperamental but if he can keep his head on straight, looks to be a player no-one wants to play. On indoor surfaces, expect him to win some big titles.
Titles so far: 0
Vs. Top 10: 2-4
6. Ricardas Berankis (Lithuania)
Short and punchy, Berankis is more under the radar than the others. He’s yet to make a major break-through, but it’s only time. He has the kind of game that doesn’t break down and will serve him well in Grand Slams. Lithuania never had it so good.
Titles so far: 0
Vs. Top 10: 0-0
7. Ryan Harrison (USA)
Representing the serve and volleyers, Harrison’s pro start has ebbed and flowed. He is prone to frustration, so he will need a good coach in his corner to help him with the mental side of the game. He could be a factor on the grass if he can keep his cool.
Titles so far: 0
Vs. Top 10: 0-17
8. Ernests Gulbis (Latvia)
The next Marat Safin? Has all the talent in the world and the attitude to boot. He’s not afraid of any player and can play lights-out tennis when motivated, which has been his problem. He doesn’t play for the money, so titles will be what he cares about.
Titles so far: 3
Vs. Top 10: 9-34
9. Jack Sock (USA)
A hustle and bustle player, so far yet to make a big impact, but we’ve seen enough of him to know he has a bright future. His ‘heavy’ game with lots of spin and variety is the kind that will pay the bills on most surfaces. The closest thing to the next Andy Roddick.
Titles so far: 0
Vs. Top 10: 0-0
10. Andrey Kuznetsov (Russia)
Not many promising Russians on the horizon, but Kuznetsov looks to be the best bet with a rangy style reminiscent of Marin Cilic. He’s found it tough now in the top 100 but is making progress. His favorite surfaces are clay and grass refreshingly.
Titles so far: 0
Vs. Top 10: 0-0
