Storylines That Will Have the Biggest Impact on Tennis in 2016
The 2015 tennis season continues, yet the storylines that will impact the ATP and WTA Tours in 2016 are already emerging.
Every year, tennis produces stunning upsets, buzz-worthy controversies and thrilling matches. But some storylines linger longer than others.
These are the storylines that won't go away. We're talking about the players, issues and events that spark conversation and grab headlines.
Serena Williams played in many thrilling matches. But it was her pursuit of the calendar Grand Slam that captivated the tennis world in 2015.
Of course Williams' return to the courts after a heartbreaking loss at the U.S. Open leads the storylines going into 2016. The 21-time Grand Slam champion finished the season at home and watched her seemingly insurmountable points lead dwindle after she withdrew from the China Open and WTA Finals.
Still, Simona Halep and Maria Sharapova, who are hoping to boot Williams from the top spot, failed to make up significant ground in her absence.
Novak Djokovic's dominance on the men's tour remains a hot topic. And then there are off-the-court stories such as Nick Kyrgios' pending suspension and Eugenie Bouchard's lawsuit against the USTA.
Those topics are just a few of the storylines that will have the biggest impact in 2016.
Honorable Mention: Nick Kygrios' Suspension Watch
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Nick Kyrgios isn't even halfway through a sixth-month "probationary" period, and there are already questions about whether he'll survive without being suspended.
The talented Australian is a polarizing figure. The amount of buzz Kyrgios ignited last season landed him on this list. However, he only gets an honorable mention because he was overhyped as a player and is now over-demonized as a bad boy.
Kyrgios isn't even the highest-ranked player under 25. Of course people will continue to talk about him. Whether Kyrgios continues the bad reality-show antics or gets his act together, he'll make the news again and again.
Eugenie Bouchard's Lawsuit Against the USTA
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Eugenie Bouchard suffered a concussion after she reportedly slipped on a "foreign objective" in the locker room after a match at the 2015 U.S. Open. She withdrew from the tournament and played in just one match the rest of the season.
She filed a lawsuit against the USTA. So far, much of the story has been about her concussion and whether the USTA is to blame.
But how this plays out will impact how tournaments deal with occupational safety and the independent professional athlete. How do you quantify lost wages, especially for someone who is going through a slump?
As SI.com's Jon Wertheim stated, "You don’t get paid when you don’t play and absent a real union—that might, say, have a disability policy covering injury—even a star feels the financial effects of inactivity. Bouchard’s dismal year looms large."
Awesome Umbrella: The Retractable Roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium
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The long-awaited retractable roof is scheduled to make its debut on the U.S. Open's Arthur Ashe stadium in 2016. With rainy days common during the tournament, indoor events are all but guaranteed.
How will the roof impact matches? Will the U.S. Open's already ruckus atmosphere reach NBA Finals electricity?
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Garbine Muguruza: Real Deal or Another Flop?
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Garbine Muguruza rose to No. 3 without the fanfare Bouchard received. Perhaps that has helped the Spaniard grow into her new role as a member of the top five.
With the three biggest names in women's tennis, Venus Williams, Serena and Sharapova, turning 36, 35 and 29, respectively, the WTA is in desperate need of a new star with staying power.
Heather Watson, Laura Robson and Bouchard all arrived overhyped and flopped. Is the under-the-radar Muguruza the real deal? We may find out in 2016.
Grande Rio: The 2016 Summer Olympics
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The Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro will be like a bonus Slam for tennis fans.
Unlike London 2012, when Andy Murray came in as the hometown hero and won the gold medal, Brazil boasts no such top-tier player. The highest-ranking Brazilian is Thomaz Bellucci at No. 40.
Still, all the big names met their Fed Cup and Davis Cup obligations. Rio should be grand.
Empty Tanks: Players Complaining About Grueling Tournament Schedules
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Every year, players complain about the long grueling season. However, the late-season shutdowns of high-profile players such as Serena and Victoria Azarenka have fueled more conversation about the length and grind of the season.
With a chance to win a Davis Cup, there was debate on whether Murray would skip the ATP World Tour year-end championships in London. An Olympic year will only make this more of an issue.
Venus Rising: The Rebirth of a Champion
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Venus can cement a return to the Top 10 for the first time since 2010 with a win in the semifinals of the WTA Elite Trophy tournament.
In 2011, she was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, an energy-sapping autoimmune disease.
By the end of 2011, Williams' ranking had fallen to No. 103. She languished on the tour, trying to fight her way back to significance. At first, she seemed to go through a series of one-and-done appearances at tournaments.
She began to turn things around at Wimbledon in 2014 when she pushed eventual champion Petra Kvitova to three thrilling sets.
The rebirth of a champion will be a storyline to follow in 2016.
His Game on the Throne: Novak Djokovic's Dominance
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Djokovic was one match away from winning a calendar Grand Slam. He had a better year than Serena Williams. Unlike Williams, Djokovic plays on well into November, further padding his lead at No. 1.
Can anyone slow down the Serbian locomotive? If he adds another three Slams this year—easier said than won—he would match Nadal at 14 (behind Roger Federer with 17) and enter the greatest of all-time discussions.
Racing for Records: Serena Williams' Pursuit of Milestones
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Winning three Grand Slams and holding onto the No. 1 ranking would be a career highlight for most. But for Williams, 2015 ended in disappointment.
Can she rebound? She'll certainly get the chance. The only thing better than a calendar Grand Slam is a Golden Slam. If she pulls that off, she can look back on 2015 with less angst.
Williams needs one Slam to catch Steffi Graf and two to move ahead. If she does that, it's on to Margaret Court's 24.
Like last year, in 2016 all eyes will be on the queen of tennis.
Retirement Watch: Speculation About Aging Stars
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Venus turns 36; Serena and Roger Federer will be 35. It's unlikely that this trio will be playing in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
With Rio this summer and undefeated Father Time lurking, the retirement watch is on.
What makes this storyline so interesting is that these legends continue to play well. They could soon all be in the Top 10.
Yet you have to wonder if 2016 is it for them.
How devastating a blow would that be to tennis if Federer and the Williams sisters all bowed out next year? We're not in a hurry to see them off, but expect questions about retirement to keep coming up.
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