Like accounting and professional services firms having the Big 4 that compete amongst themselves, even the sport of tennis has its own version – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, collectively, are referred to as the Big 4 of men’s tennis. This is not imaginary; they have really proved their caliber over a period of time. Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have a total of 44 grand slam titles amongst them. Murray has not truly justified his potential with only 3 grand slam titles so far but no one can challenge his credentials. Current World # 1, 2 Olympic Gold medals and leading Great Britain to Davis Cup victory in 2015 more than justify why he should definitely be in that exclusive club. Overall, the big 4 have collected 47 out of the last 55 grand slam championships and have truly ruled men’s tennis for more than 13 years now.
The year 2016 was all about Novak Djokovic in the first half of the year and emergence of Andy Murray, to claim the top ranking, in the second half of the year. It was only Stan Wawrinka’s brilliance at the US Open which stopped Djokovic from winning 3 grand slam titles in the year. It is worth remembering that till the French Open last year, such was Novak’s invincibility that people had started believing that calendar grand slam is very much possible and given Novak’s form, he has only got to show up at Wimbledon and the Flushing Meadows to complete the formality.
Unfortunately (for millions of Novak fans like me) that did not happen and during the 2nd half of the year, Novak proved that after all, he is a human being and can eventually fail sometimes.
So, why do I think that 2017 is a special year? Let’s look at the facts more closely.
i) Federer and Nadal have appeared from nowhere. Their motto this year has truly been “Don’t write us off, we are not done just yet”.
ii) Djokovic (world # 2) and Murray (world # 1) have been on a free fall. Unlike last year, they have been really inconsistent so far this year.
iii) We have some new guns in town. The likes of Nick Kyrgios, Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev Jr. are making headlines on a regular basis to be considered serious contenders for future titles.
iv) We are also seeing new partnerships and alliances being formed; Djokovic teaming up with Andre Agassi and Nadal working closely with Carlos Moya are some interesting cases to look at this year.
2017 is expected to be different, because after a long time, 2 different generations of players will be competing against each other.
Tracking these guys religiously over the last few years, here is how I think this year should eventually unfold:
Australian Open
When the year started, nobody would have believed that Federer and Nadal will contest the finals of the Australian Open this year. Not only did they dish out an unbelievable 5 setter, they also proved to the entire world that their careers are far from over. Federer increased his tally to 18 grand slam titles. Great result for anyone who loves tennis.
French Open
Rafael Nadal successfully made history and acquired his 10th French Open crown. Roland Garros is truly Rafa’s 2nd home (after all, he spends most time on these courts every year after his home). He established himself to be the best clay court player of all times… He now has 15 grand slam titles and looking hungry for more…
Wimbledon
The field is not as wide open as the French Open. With Federer giving his best shot, I predict him to definitely be one of the finalists. The 2nd finalist could be:
o Alexander Zverev – On form, it has to be Zverev. With a 6’6” height, booming serve, powerful groundstrokes and great serve-volley game, he has all the ingredients to become a great grass court player.
o Andy Murray – He is the local boy, world # 1 and the defending champ. Count him out at your own risk.
o Novak Djokovic – Novak would like to make sure that he gets this one right. He definitely knows what it takes to win Wimbledon.
US Open
o Novak Djokovic is undoubtedly my pick to win this one. The hard court is his favorite surface and with Andre Agassi in his corner providing tips on local conditions, it will be virtually impossible to stop Novak.
o Although, Roger Federer can provide a very strong challenge. At 35+, he is expected to give everything that he has, in every Grand Slam appearance from hereon. French Open is a perfect example of this strategy; deep within his heart, he knows he does not have a realistic chance, hence he dropped out and he is focusing purely on his favorite tournament - Wimbledon. Likewise, he has a great record at US Open too.
Really keen to see how this year pans out but one thing is for sure, it will be a connoisseur’s delight...