Top 10 "Big Point" Players on the ATP Tour in 2011

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Novak Djokovic has had one of the greatest seasons in recent memory.  With the way he's dominated, opponents have to feel like Djokovic is unbeatable on big points.  But is he really better than everyone else when it matters most?

In the context of a tennis match, nearly every point is important.  But the points most likely to put someone under the most pressure are break points faced on serve and break point opportunities while returning.  

To compile these rankings, I looked at a players percentage of break points saved and percentage of break points converted and then added those respective ranks together.

Are the best big point players the same who sit atop the current ATP rankings or are there some surprises in the midst?  Click on to find out.

10. Tomas Berdych

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Break Points Saved: 61 percent

Break Points Converted: 45 percent

 

The 26-year-old Czech is currently the No. 7 player in the world, and has just qualified for the ATP World Finals, marking his second-consecutive appearance in the year end tournament.

Berdych is known to unleash some big groundies, and at 6'6", he can unload some powerful serves as well.  No doubt skills that have lead him to have an excellent rate of success on big points.

9. Robin Soderling

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Break Points Saved: 61 percent

Break Points Converted: 46 percent

 

Big groundstrokes are a common denominator among players on this list, and Soderling is no exception. 

The big hitting Swede has had a bit of a disappointing 2011 season coming off a career year in 2010.  Injury and illness has set him back in the latter half of the season, but when healthy, Soderling was one of the most successful players in big point situations.

8. Robin Haase

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Break Points Saved: 63 percent

Break Points Converted: 44 percent

 

Robin Hasse?

Despite never being ranked inside the top 40, the Dutchman still finds himself on this list.  Considering his record, you'd be surprised to know that Haase ranks in the top 20 in both big point categories.  

Why?  

Haase is a bit of a loose cannon, and despite being tall and lanky, he generates significant power off the forehand side, always making him a threat on return games.

7. Andy Murray

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Break Points Saved: 61 percent

Break Points Converted: 46 percent

 

Murray is widely considered one of the top returners in the men's game, so it's no surprise to see him near the top of the list on break points converted.  Murray's very steady and has certainly upped his aggressiveness in order to shake his defensive counter-puncher stigma.

6. Xavier Malisse

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Break Points Saved: 61 percent

Break Points Converted: 49 percent

 

There's another one I bet you didn't expect.

Malisse had his most success in the early to mid 2000s, but he's remained a steady, solid player on the tour, playing past age 30.  The X-Man is actually No. 1 in break points converted this season, albeit with fewer matches played than most others atop the list.

5. David Ferrer

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Break Points Saved: 66 percent

Break Points Converted: 45 percent

 

Is there any player out there that gets more out of their physical abilities than David Ferrer?

Ferrer is the definition of a grinder.  His success comes from always making his opponent hit that one extra shot and being in superior physical shape.  

At a generous 5'9", Ferrer doesn't have an overpowering serve, but his stinginess in refusing to give up points leads him to his exceptional break points saved percentage.

4. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

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Break Points Saved: 66 percent

Break Points Converted: 44 percent

 

The flamboyant Frenchman has had arguably his best season since 2008 when he reached the Australian Open final.  Tsonga's constant aggressiveness and brilliant shot making abilities make him a tough match for anyone.  He takes some big chances on returns which explains his solid conversion rate and he's been known to blast some well timed aces when down break point.

It's no surprise that Tsonga has matched his career high ranking this season based on his success playing the big points.

3. Rafael Nadal

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Break Points Saved: 64 percent

Break Points Converted: 47 percent

 

It should surprise no one to see Rafa Nadal near the top of this list.  The Spanish dirt baller turned all-court champion is one of the toughest fighters on the ATP tour.  

Nadal doesn't have the ability call-up a big serve when needed like many on this list, but he has an effective serve and an even more effective baseline game that saves him more often than not.

What Nadal may lack in sheer power, he more than makes up for in spins and angles.  His uncanny ability to create shots most other players can't fathom constantly keeps opposing servers off balance.

2. Juan Martin Del Potro

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Break Points Saved: 67 percent

Break Points Converted: 45 percent

 

As he displayed in his run to the 2009 US Open title, Juan Martin Del Potro has quite possibly the hardest strokes of any player in professional tennis.  His long, flat strokes offer a high risk, high reward style.  At any moment Del Po can uncork one of his massive forehands and change the dynamic of a point.

At a powerful 6'6", Del Potro also has the coveted ability to go big on the serve in crucial moments.  It's that skill that has made him the best player on tour in break points saved.

1. Novak Djokovic

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Break Points Saved: 66 percent

Break Points Converted: 48 percent

 

Was there ever really any doubt about this one?

To dominate the way Djokovic has this season, you have to play the big points well.  And that's exactly what he's done, ranking No. 4 in break points saved and number two in break points converted.

Djokovic is not only one of the most consistent players, but he has the ability to end the point at any time.

The world's No. 1 player just hasn't surrendered very many games at all, dominating the majority of his early round opponents.  

Right now, Novak has the perfect combination of speed, power, and mental strength.  It's those three things that have led him to the No. 1 ranking on tour and to the No. 1 ranking on this list.