What the New Year Holds for the Top Dogs in Men's Tennis

2008 was an extraordinary year on the ATP Tour.  Rafael Nadal took over the top spot from Roger Federer, and the rivalry that was once a scintillating prospect is now in full force. 

Novak Djokovic captured his first Slam, Andy Murray made solid inroads to the top echelon, while Jo-Wifiried Tsonga exploded onto the scene. 

With that providing the backdrop from the year that was, here are some things to look for from our top 8 in the New Year.

1. Rafael Nadal

He has improved every year he has been on tour.  Frighteningly, the shotmaking prowess that proved decisive at Wimbledon 2008 may still be developing. 

This year's clay court season, culminating in a fifth title at Roland Garros looks like a lock, but for him two big questions remain. 

The first is the Australian and US Opens, Slams he has yet to win.  He does not move as naturally on hard courts, and by the time Flushing Meadows rolls around, he is more often than not gassed, as evidenced by his semi-final loss to Andy Murray.

The second big question surrounding Nadal is how long his body can sustain his punishing style of play.  When things break down, it will likely do so in a big way, and so it’ll be fascinating to see if coach Toni Nadal will try to get Rafa to use his shotmaking and play more from the center of the court to shorten up points.

2. Roger Federer

There is probably no one who needs the momentum from an Australian Open title as much as he does.  When running full steam, his game is more optical illusion than athletic endeavor.

Though mononucleosis played its part, in 2008 we saw how crucial a role confidence plays in his magic tennis show, for he was merely a splendid shadow of his extraordinary former self after losing the Wimbledon Final. 

Additionally, 27 is around the time tennis players begin to age, but a meaningful win over Nadal in a Slam final could put the aging process on hold.  This could also be the year he surpasses Pete Sampras in the Pantheon of the Greats.

3. Novak Djokovic

He is one of the most intelligent players on tour, who develops a point perfectly along the fine line between risk and reward.

Strangely at this point, he seems to be a counterpuncher to the stars, lacking the magic dust of Federer and Nadal, and so his success in 2009 depends in large part upon what they are not able to accomplish. 

Still though, Nole has more sand in the top part of his hourglass than the bottom, which may not be the case for the two players ahead of him.

4. Andy Murray

2008 was simply a breakout year.  However, there’s a logjam of talent at the top, and his chances of a Slam title increase greatly once it’s just Djokovic he has to take out. 

Another player with youth on his side, he already has a wonderfully balanced game, and may only need to take baby steps in ‘09 with a year much like the last until his time arrives.

5. Nikolay Davydenko

Quite simply the gatekeeper, grinding it out at the elite level with solid strokes and great wheels.  Players of his ilk though tend to age very fast, and at 27, perhaps this is the year.

6. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

The joker of the pack.  His physical brutalization of Nadal in the semi-finals of the Australian Open was as shocking as it was breathtaking. 

Given that he recklessly pushes the boundaries with his huge groundstrokes and daring net play, his game is either heaven or hell, and his big frame is susceptible to injury at any moment. 

2009, or any other year for that matter, will be a combination of boom and bust.

7. Gilles Simon

See #5 above.  Being the younger man, he seems to be a Davydenko in waiting.  A Masters’ Series shield would be a just reward after an excellent 2008.

8. Andy Roddick

A most curious case.  His nuclear serve and seismic forehand were supposed to epitomize 21st-century tennis, but he has been surpassed by a number of players, all of whom have much broader skill sets. 

He needs a lot of stars to align in order to realize his ambition of winning a second Slam.