Predicting the Best Rivalries in Men's Tennis 5 Years from Now

Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic clashed for the fourth time this season in the final of the Japan Open in Tokyo. Although it's far from the iconic rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the matchup between Nishikori and Raonic could be the must-see showdown in the future.

Of course, it's difficult to predict which players will emerge as successors to the Big Four, the group responsible for today's best rivalries. When Nadal arrived on the tour, Federer vs. Lleyton Hewitt was a big rivalry.

The best rivalries have a few things in common. Both players have achieved sustained success on the tour. They've won titles and are serious Grand Slam title contenders. The head-to-head record matters less than the quality of the matches. At least one of their matches has been called "classic."

Although every year fresh talent makes a splash on the tour, few matchups rise to the level of great rivalries. In fact, the better rivalries today involve a handful of players. Five years from now, it will probably be the same. A few top players will produce the best rivalries.

Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic

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Novak Djokovic meets Andy Murray at the net during one of their 22 meetings.

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are both 27. Provided they remain healthy, in five years their rivalry could be approaching epic proportions.

Djokovic leads the head-to-head 14-8. He also leads the Slams race at seven to two. This could change over time. Five years ago, few predicted the run Nadal would make on Slams. 

Murray needs to add more titles to make this anything close to Federer-Nadal or even Djokovic-Nadal. 

If Djokovic and Murray remain healthy, they will be the elder statesmen on tour. Still playing for history and legacy, Murray and Djokovic could be the most celebrated rivalry five years from now. 

Nick Kyrgios vs. Rafael Nadal

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Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal shake hands after their Wimbledon match.

Nadal turns 29 next year. Although he's about the same age as Djokovic and Murray, Nadal has serious knee problems and is unlikely to be storming through the tour five years from now. 

If he doesn't retire, Nadal could develop an interesting rivalry with Nick Kyrgios. Five years from now, Kyrgios could be a top-five player. He announced his arrival this year Nadal at Wimbledon this year.

Kyrgios upset Nadal to reach the quarterfinals, where he lost to Raonic. Kyrgios served 37 aces and even hit a between-the-legs shot to stun Nadal. It was their first and only meeting. Every rematch will be highly anticipated. 

Marin Cilic vs. Kei Nishikori

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Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic pose during the trophy ceremony at the 2014 U.S. Open.

Marin Cilic appeared to overwhelm Nishikori in the finals of the 2014 U.S. Open. However, Nishikori has a 5-3 edge against Cilic. 

Both appeared a bit nervous early on in their first Grand Slam final appearance. Now they have that big-match experience in their back pocket. It will be interesting to see this matchup minus the butterflies.  

Milos Raonic vs. Kei Nishikori

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Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori pose for pictures during the trophy ceremony at the 2014 Japan Open.

In the five matches they've played, what stands out is the quality of play. These two seem to bring out the best in each other.

It's not a matchup of clear power versus finesse. Nishikori produces plenty zing off both wings. Of course, the 6'5" Raonic doesn't move as well as Nishikori. However, he moves better than other giants like John Isner. His booming serve against Nishikori's ability to pick off would-be aces is fascinating to watch. 

This rivalry will only get better in five years. 

Bernard Tomic vs. Nick Kyrgios

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Bernard Tomic and Nick Kyrgios during a doubles match at the 2014 U.S. Open.

This could emerge as a different kind of rivalry. Similar to Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi, Tomic vs. Kyrgios will be about two talented Australian players who are vying to be top dog in their country.

The potential for this rivalry hinges on Tomic. He arrived on tour to much more fanfare than Kyrgios. However, off-the-court issues and lackluster on-court results have derailed his career.

Meanwhile, Kyrgios has delighted fans and put together some impressive wins.

Can Tomic get back on track? Kyrgios seems on his way. If Tomic arrives as well, look out for some awesome Australian clashes. 

Grigor Dimitrov vs. Kei Nishikori

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Grigor Dimitrov exchanges a handshake with Kei Nishikori at the net at the 2014 Sony Open.

Grigor Dimitrov against Nishikori could become a rivalry within the next two years. Both men have reached the semifinals at a Grand Slam already.

Nishikori leads the series 2-0. He won both matches in straight sets. The last time they played was at the 2014 Sony Open in Miami, where Nishikori won 7-6(1), 7-5.

Nishikori is proving to be a magnificent shot-maker. His speed and ability to construct points against Dimitrov's smooth strokes could make for some exciting matches for years to come. 

Milos Raonic vs. Grigor Dimitrov

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Milos Raonic embraces Grigor Dimitrov after a match at the 2014 Australian Open.

As with Nishikori, expect to see Dimitrov in many battles against Raonic. 

Dimitrov leads the head-to-head 2-1. He defeated Raonic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10) in their last meeting, earlier this year at Australian Open. Raonic had 21 aces in that match. Dimitrov countered with 15 aces of his own.

Both are linked to media darlings. Dimitrov is reportedly dating Maria Sharapova, per Michael Traikos of The National Post. Raonic is linked by country to fellow Canadian Eugenie Bouchard. Raonic and Bouchard made Canadian history at Wimbledon this year.

Raonic, Nishikori and Dimitrov are all in the running to make the ATP Finals this year. It could serve as a preview for many great matchups to come.