Teenagers to watch in 2014 ... Madison Keys

Madison Keys - USA
Rank: 38
Age: 18

Mention the name Madison Keys to anyone who knows anything about tennis and they will tell you, "big game" or "massive potential". In fact, the American has one of the biggest games on tour, a game that would rival the likes of Serena Williams.

Madison is starting to harness her big game too, there's a real lacking in consistency but it's getting better. The positive signs - Keys has a lot of shape on all of her shots, so it'll be easy for her to build in consistency to her game. Her shots aren't just bullets, they're cannons - heavy and forcing.

The teenager is the type of player that no top player wants to see drawn near them in a tournament. She is intimidating, even for the very best.

"Her shots aren't just bullets, they're cannons - heavy and forcing."

In my mind, there is no doubt Madison will be a top player - she just has too much game and potential not to be. However, when it will happens remains to be seen, it's possible that her game will remain a little too raw for a couple of years. Once it is refined, she'll join the elite.

Watch for Madison to make waves at the Australian Open, she seems to perform well down here. Her ranking may yo-yo a bit due to the inconsistency in her play but I think she will rise into the top 20 next year. Her temperament seems fairly good, nothing concerning enough to make one think it'll counteract her potential.

Predictions -

2014 End-of-year ranking - Top 20 (15-16)

I actually think her game will translate to most surfaces. She doesn't come across particularly athletic right now, but that'll be a focal point for Madison going forward. I think she'll have quite a few runs at big tournaments next year and it'll thrust her well into the top 20.

2014 highlight - 4th Round of the Australian Open

I think Madison will have a few runs, but it also depends on what type of player she runs into. A crafty consistent player like Radwanska is not a good opponent for Madison. She can out hit the best of them and that'll get her deep into tournaments like the Australian Open. Watch for her early in the season when she's highly motivated and has a lot of energy.

Teenagers to watch in 2014 ... Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios - Australia
Rank: 187
Age: 18

Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov has been tagged "Mini-Federer", due to the astounding resemblance in their style of play. Nick Kyrgios may well earn a similar nickname, "Mini-Tsonga".  His game looks like an homage to the Frenchman, with explosive power and athleticism dripping from him.

The Canberra-native won a challenger and futures title in 2013, as well as qualifying for the US Open and reaching the second round of Roland Garros. However, he is possibly more well-known for hitting the number one ranking on the junior circuit, picking up the Australian Open boys title along the way.
 

"The top of the men's game is no place for a teenager."

Kyrgios looks like he will grow into an impressive physique for tennis, so competing with the big boys should be no issue. Once his body matures, I expect him to make a mark on the ATP tour. For the moment a couple of 1st round grand slam wins should be in Nick's future.

Watch for Nick to start making his way into ATP tour events, but don't expect too much just yet. The top of the men's game is no place for a teenager.

A passionate and at times 'hot-headed' temperament may serve Nick well moving forward. He's a fighter and has a lot of determination in matches. When he learns to harness this temperament, it will be a real positive notch for the Aussie.

Predictions -

2014 End-of-year ranking - Top 140-120

While I think Nick will start making his way on to the ATP tour, I don't think the excellent results will come rapidly. When his body and mind matures a little more I expect him to start shooting up the rankings. I thoroughly believe Nick could be a top player.

2014 highlight - 3rd Round of the Australian Open

Nick is the type of player that will be spurred on by his home grand slam rather than hindered. He will undoubtedly receive a wildcard into the event and depending on the draw could really make an impact. I don't think he has the patience to really grind out a gritty Spanish type of player in five sets, so fingers crossed he can stay clear of that type of player.

Teenagers to watch in 2014 ... Eugenie Bouchard

Eugenie Bouchard - Canada -
Rank: 32
Age: 19

2013 was a big year for "Genie". The Canadian reached her first WTA tour final in Osaka and hit a career high ranking of 32.

Bouchard doesn't possess any noticeable weapons in her game, but hard, well-placed, deep shots have allowed her to climb the rankings. She's quick, athletic and has a good head on her shoulders, this may be one of the most important factors in why I think she'll rise even further in 2014.

She lists hard courts as her favourite surface and her results definitely reflect this. I can see her making a run at a grand slam next year but I don't think she'll be quite ready at the Australian Open. Watch for her at next years US Open or possible Wimbledon (Where she has won the junior girls title), the fast surfaces will suit her perfectly.

Her game will mature with time. Her technique, while a tad wonky looking has become smoother as of late. I don't think she has developed her game well enough yet to join the elite, but it's definitely good enough to cause some massive upsets and shake-up some big tournaments with some quarter-final, semi-final runs.

Predictions -

2014 End-of-year ranking - Top 20 (18, 19 region)

I think Bouchard's results will be good enough to earn her a top 20 ranking - but I expect it to come through some runs at bigger tournaments. I also expect a few early losses in between as well, thus stopping her from climbing any higher.

2014 highlight - Q/F of US Open

Expect the US Open to be her go-to grand slam, the surface is quick enough for her and she really shines on hard courts. North America will be where Eugenie feels most comfortable and I wouldn't be surprised by a semi-final at either Indian Wells or Miami.