Teenagers to watch in 2015... Belinda Bencic

Is there finally a new Swiss miss?

Fifteen years ago, if someone had said that teenagers would be all but extinct from the top of the women's game, many would have thought they were crazy. But the current climate of the WTA is just that, a physical and demanding sport that just isn't made for girls still developing their games.

Enter Belinda Bencic, such is the talent of the young Swiss, she has been able to create a name for herself at just seventeen years of age. In a world where tennis is dominated by strong, athletic women in their late 20s, the youngster has shone through with fine finesse and free flowing ability. With a singles ranking of 32, Bencic will be seeded at Grand Slam events in 2015 which should provide a platform to bigger and better things.

During her stellar run at the US Open. Source: Zimbio

You wouldn't say that Swiss tennis is the strongest in the world, but they do make a strong case. With Federer and Wawrinka at the top of the world in the men's game, they need a female champion to complete the set. Gone are the days where Martina Hingis was the Swiss Miss and dominated the women's game with her immense skill and picked apart her opponents like a precise operation, however the tiny European may have found a new women's champion.

"I'm willing to call it, Belinda Bencic will be winning grand slams..."

Belinda Bencic seems ready to take over the mantle as the new Swiss Miss and has the game to back it up.  She has already conquered the junior world, becoming the world number 1 junior in 2013 along with two junior grand slams (Roland Garros and Wimbledon). Her transition to the senior game has been most impressive, so smooth it was that it caught most people off guard.

Her 2014 highlights included a stellar run at the Premier clay event in Charleston where she reached the semi finals. She also made her first appearance in a WTA final at the International event in Tianjin. Perhaps her finest effort though was her breakthrough on the big stage at the US Open where she reached the quarter final. Bencic announced herself to the world with wins over the likes of Angelique Kerber and Jelena Jankovic.

Winning the Roland Garros girls title. Source: Zimbio

Bencic has an all round game, her technique is sound off both wings. She takes the ball early to create more power but also understands the importance of playing the percentages, much like Hingis did in her wonder years. The young Swiss is fast, her movement and defence win her a lot of matches and can frustrate the best of players. Don't take Bencic for just another retriever though, she can create her own pace and put the ball away for a winner if she needs to.

Going forward, I'd like to see Belinda create a big weapon in her game, a weapon that her opponents will be scared to hit to. Right now, she beats opponents with consistent pressure, she can run down every ball but if they drop it short she will also put it away. Her game will develop in the coming years, she's playing in the most physical generation of women's tennis so it will take time.

Perhaps more importantly than anything, she has the belief. She knows that she belongs at the top of the game, this will take her a long way. It's always interesting to see how young player back up after their breakout year, it'll really be a testament to Bencic if she can keep kicking on as most teenagers will have a let down after an amazing season. 

I'm willing to call it, Belinda Bencic will be winning grand slams in 2-3 years time.

 

Teenagers to watch in 2015... Alexander Zverev

There's a new kid on the block

Mischa Zverev's little brother Alexander stepped out of his older brothers shadow and into the spotlight at the start of this year. At the 2014 Australian Open boys singles tournament, the then sixteen year-old German slaughtered American Stefan Kozlov 6-3, 6-0 to win the title.

"I have no doubt that he can reach the top of the tennis temple"

 

The Australian Open Boys title was just the beginning for Zverev, 2014 proved to be a break-out year for the young star.

Genetically blessed, Zverev stands at 6 foot. 6 and makes the most of his height with a booming serve. His serve is not one-dimensional however, he can hit all corners of the service box from the same ball toss. It's hard to read and is giving all of his opponents plenty of trouble.

Winning the Australian Open Boys Title - Source: Zimbio

At the start of July, Zverev took a few more big steps with his gangly frame to win his first title on the Challenger tour. Beating three top-100 players in the process, he became the youngest player to win on the circuit since Bernard Tomic in 2009. Looking right at home on the red-dirt, the German overcame Paul-Henri Mathieu in three sets.

Continuing to impress on the clay, Alexander won his first ATP tour match in Hamburg. Zverev proved tough to beat that tournament, winning his way to the semi finals to face Spaniard David Ferrer. While the match against Ferrer proved that Zverev wasn't quite ready to take down the very best, the world certainly stood up and took notice of the feisty young German.

His long levers create awesome top-spin off both sides, along with pin-point accuracy, Zverev will be a force on all surfaces. With so much upside and potential, all eyes are on Alexander to see what he can do in 2015. Moving forward, Zverev will have to keep his hot head under control. All of the top players can keep calm in moments of trepidation, if Zverev can develop this same skills I have no doubt that he can reach the top of the tennis temple.

At home on clay - Source: Zimbio

Already reaching the pinnacle of the junior ranks in 2013, Zverev turned his attention to the senior tour in 2014. He should be aiming to be a regular main stay inside the top 100 in 2015. He'll start the Australian summer in qualifying, but I think he is ready to start winning main draw matches at the grand slams.

The German is already quite well known to the tennis fraternity, but I think 2015 will be the year when the wider public will learn the name... Alexander Zverev.

US Open: Men's Singles Preview

              Who will rise in Rafa's absence?


The world number one ranking has recently fallen back into the lap of Novak Djokovic, cemented by his win at Wimbledon. His return to the top is enough to give the Serb favouritism at this years US Open, but with a few early losses at the lead up tournaments, it's anything but a sure thing.

The positives...Novak's biggest rival, Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the tournament, giving Djokovic a clearer path to the title.

Another positive, Novak has always performed well in New York. He has reached the final the last four years in a row (only winning one title however).

... Alas, there are speed bumps ahead.

Novak Djokovic - Source: Zimbio
 

The in form player heading into this years tournament will be none other than Roger Federer himself. His win in Cincinnati was classic Roger; confident, artistic and innovative.

The Swiss master came close at Wimbledon. But it makes me wonder if his body can keep holding up over five-sets against players like Djokovic. Federer can outplay Djokovic for sets on end but the Serb's ability to stay in matches and out-last opponents will be tough to beat.

"His win in Cincinnati was classic Roger; confident, artistic and innovative"

Andy Murray is a brilliant hard-court player. Whilst his form hasn't been great lately, he is a two-time grand slam champion and this counts for a lot. Not only that, the Brit knows how to win at Flushing Meadows.

It'll all be about motivation for Murray, when he is into matches and focused, not a lot of men can stand in his way. He does have a tendency to lose concentration, get down on life and lose his way. Which Andy Murray will turn up in New York?

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga blew the competition away in Toronto, it was snap shot of what the flashy Frenchman can really do. Consistency is the key, and at 29-years old, Tsonga is running out of time. I would have to say that he isn't stable enough over five-sets and seven matches.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - Source: Zimbio

Stan Wawrinka has failed to live up to the hype after his title win at the Australian Open, however he is returning to hard-courts here and this could reignite the magic. I won't be betting on it though.

Other contenders include; David Ferrer, the underpowered Spaniard doesn't match up well to the top players. Milos Raonic is due for a breakthrough soon, but is just too raw at the moment. Look for Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov is impress again in New York, the talented mini-Federer needs some more years in the legs to really challenge for the top though.

While Djokovic and Federer will go in as joint favourite; Djokovic's fitness and consistency will get him over the line.

US Open: Women's Singles Preview

               Can you really look past Serena Williams?



She's arguably the greatest of all time, she's arguably the most intimidating female athlete on the planet and she will be more determined than ever at Flushing Meadows to win her eighteenth grand slam title.

Serena Williams always finds another gear at the US Open, she loves performing well in front a boisterous New York crowd. The American is having a sub-par year compared to her lofty heights but the evidence does not lie, with her five past appearances at the US Open resulting in three wins, a final and a semi-final.

 

"She's arguably the most

intimidating female athlete on the planet"

 

She's also hitting form at the right time, winning two titles to clinch the US Open series (rewarding the best player throughout the warm-up events with extra cash if they win the US Open).

For new world number-two Simona Halep, this year is all about breakthroughs...her highest WTA ranking, her first grand slam final. She's athletic, she's quick and she has the right temperament to win a grand slam.

She has all the skills, but does she have the raw power necessary to break through the grand slam wall?

My guess is that at the US Open, no. It will take a special player to beat the little Romanian, she will go deep.




Simona Halep - Source: Getty Image

It's been an odd year for the now five-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova, she's become a clay-court specialist in many ways, a far cry from her younger days when attempts on the dirt were nothing but awkward.

Sharapova sits on top of the singles race for the year largely due to her wins at Roland Garros and Madrid and I think she'll give Serena a real shake in New York. She has the raw power to trouble anyone.

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and finalist Eugenie Bouchard have both struggled since the title decider in Britain. I don't expect either of them to feature in the US decider. It's a lack of consistency that will plague both youngsters here.

Petra Kvitova - Source: Zimbio

One player that has no problem with consistency is Agnieszka Radwanska, one of the most skilful female players we've ever seen.

The Pole will need the bigger, more powerful girls to falter in order to win.

Other contenders we have include Venus Williams, playing better this season, but perhaps not well enough to string seven wins together in tough conditions. Ana Ivanovic can beat anyone at her best, but will struggle with consistency. Victoria Azarenka has always been one of Serena's biggest rivals, but the Belarussian is still coming back from injury and will need some more time to be at her best.

All eyes are of Serena Williams... again.

Roland Garros: Men's Preview

Is Nadal no longer invincible?

It has been a forgettable clay court season for the "King of clay". Not a bad run by any means, the Spaniard won the title in Madrid and reached the final in Rome. However, the once invincible clay-courter has shown some chinks in the armour.

In saying that, Nadal has shown to be almost impossible to beat over five-sets at Roland Garros. He has only lost one time to a rampaging Swede, Robin Soderling. Nadal is the most physical player we have ever seen, his immense top spin wears players out over time. It's consistent pressure that builds up over five-sets that sees his opponents implode almost every single time.

 While the 2014 clay court season has been under par for Nadal so far, he will be there during the final few days of the French Open and we know that to be beaten, players will need to play out of their skin against him.

Credit: Zimbio

Novak Djokovic has had an interrupted season due to injury, but he was at his sparkling best at Rome beating Nadal to win the title.

Roland Garros is the only grand slam title the Serb needs to add to his collection, so we have to expect he will be hungrier here than any other Grand Slam. We know he has the clay-court credentials, he was a runner-up in 2012 and is a four-time semi-finalist.

Over five sets I'm still not sure Djokovic can stay with Nadal physically but he's not far off. If there is anyone that can steal the show, it's Novak.

No one would be surprised to see Novak Djokovic raising the trophy at the end of the two weeks.

 

"I would never bet against Rafael Nadal"

 

Roger Federer and David Ferrer have to be seen as contenders. Roger Federer is definitely past his peak but another run to a grand slam title wouldn't seem out of place, but it would at his least favoured grand slam at Roland Garros.

David Ferrer is last year’s runner-up, but the Spaniards main concern is that he doesn’t have the fire power, the weapons, to win a grand slam. Ferrer winning the title would be a boil-over but the hard worker has the heart, the fitness and the mentality to win. The only question is whether he can step up and attack?

Source: Zimbio

Andy Murray and Stanislas Wawrinka are players that can beat anyone on their day. Andy Murray will go into the grand slam with an unusually low seeding at number eight. While he isn’t in the best form of his career, the Scot will go into the tournament with the belief that he can come out as the champion and that will go a long way.

Wawrinka was a shock winner at the Australian Open, but we’ve always known he has the game of a grand slam champion. For the Swiss number one, it’s about the belief, it’s about confidence. For Stan, it will also be about the consistency, he can play one good match and then terrible the next. He knows he can reach the apex now, but can he do it again?

I would never bet against Rafael Nadal.

Top 5: Following in the footsteps of Na Li

Na Li has been a phenomenon for Chinese tennis as well as tennis in general. The superstar from Wuhan is the first Chinese tennis player, male or female, to win a grand slam tournament (Roland Garros, 2011).  An audience of 330 million people world wide watched Li beat Italian Francesca Schiavone for her first major title, these numbers are unheard of, unmatched. Her influence in the game is astounding.

Just weeks ago, Li won her second grand slam tournament at the Australian Open in Melbourne. The popularity of the rebellious tennis player has sky-rocketed in her home country, garnering million dollar endorsement and inspiring even more young Chinese girls to pick up a tennis racquet.

So, it begs the question...who will follow in the foot steps of Li? China has one of the biggest  populations in the world - will we see an influx of Chinese tennis superstars?

I looked at five young female tennis players that could very well take the baton from Li some day soon.

5. Shuai Zhang

Age: 25
Rank: 51

While Zhang may not be a youngster anymore, if there is anything we have learnt from Li it's that it's never too late to start winning major tournaments. Zhang has the power and flair to match it with the best players, does that sound familiar to anyone?

Zhang needs to learn the art and the subtleties of tennis if she is to progress higher in the rankings. She has the talent and the arsenal, but does she have the drive? That will be the question that Zhang will need to answer, hard-work will see her have good results but she could also easily fade into oblivion without the mental fortitude.

Source: Zimbio

4. Fangzhou Liu

Age: 18
Rank: 307

I put Liu at number four because her results have been consistently good for a long time, without ever being outstanding. Still only aged 18, Fangzhou could have a bright future and she is definitely on my radar.

My main concern here is the lack of tournaments played outside of Asia. Lack of passion or a lack of funds? Either way, both can cripple a tennis career. Without the proper funding and support, Liu could fade away as another wasted talent. Handled correctly by the Chinese tennis federation and we could see Liu playing in grand slam tournaments in a couple of years.

3. Ziyue Sun

Age: 17
Rank: N/A

You may be asking yourself why a seventeen year old without a ranking is on this list. Simple, she has a junior ranking of 13 and some fantastic results to compliment that number. Sun made the semi-final of the Australian Open girls tournament just weeks ago, beating the number 2 seed along the way.

Ziyue has age on her side, at only seventeen years, the world is at her door step. The solid junior results will benefit her in time with wildcards and endorsements coming her way. Let's see if she can make the transition from a good junior player into a proper professional tennis player.

Source: Zimbio

2. Saisai Zheng
Age: 19
Rank: 148

It feels like Saisai has been around forever, still she is only 19 years of age. Equipped with a heavy forehand and a good tennis brain, Zheng looks like she has all the ingredients to be a great player.

In 2011, Saisai reached a career high junior ranking of seven. She has stalled a bit in the last few years, but her game will mature with time. She has a lot of variety and this skill will take a little while longer to perfect. When all of the dots connect, we should see Saisai rocket up the WTA rankings.

1. Shilin Xu
Age: 16
Rank: 550

Shilin is my number one young Chinese player to watch because the results do not lie. Not only is Shilin one of the highest ranked 16 year olds on the junior tour, she's also one of the highest ranked 16 year olds on the pro tour.

With a junior ranking of 11, Shilin has plenty of people talking her up. A tall and powerful girl for her age, there is a lot of upside... mostly being her power. Xu has the artillery to make it to the top and I'm not standing in the way of that.

Source: Zimbio

 

---

We could be seeing a wave of young Chinese players coming through soon; but I don't think we'll be seeing the full affects of Li's influence until about 10 years from now.

The tennis world should get ready...they're coming.

Hopman Cup: Preview and predictions (Day 6 - Night)

Poland [1] v. Australia [7]

Agnieszka Radwanska [Poland] versus Samantha Stosur [Australia]

Tennis is all about match ups. Stosur, who has been poor this week, goes into this match with a 3-1 record against the Pole. Not only that, Stosur's one loss to Radwanska came nearly 5 years ago. Radwanska doesn't have much power, so it give Stosur some time on the ball to really get set for that big forehand. Stosur's shots have a lot of top spin and Radwanska does not like the ball around shoulder height, that could be the difference.

My winner: Stosur in three.

Grzegorz Panfil [Poland] versus Bernard Tomic [Australia]

Bet against Panfil at your own peril. The Pole has been the giant killer of the Hopman Cup, but how long can this last? Panfil hasn't played someone like Tomic before and he may be thrown off his guard. The pressure will be off Tomic here because Australia are already out of the Hopman Cup, which could be a bad thing, there's no motivation for the one lacking motivation. His talent should get him through.

My winner: Tomic in two.

Radwanska/Panfil [Poland] versus Stosur/Tomic [Australia]

Tomic was absolutely woeful in the doubles match against Italy, no foot movement, no power on his volleys, an all around shocker. Radwanska and Panfil will have more motivation in order to move through to the final and should take this one fairly comfortably.

My winner: Poland in two.

Hopman Cup: Preview and Predictions (Day 6)

Canada [4] v. Italy [6]

Eugenie Bouchard [Canada] versus Flavia Pennetta [Italy]

The young Canadian has been mightily impressive this week, beating Stosur and almost upsetting world number 5 Radwanska. This match is evenly poised, it should be a close encounter. Bouchard will have the extra fire power and Pennetta will have a little extra craft. Pennetta has the experience as well and I think that'll be the difference at the end of a long three setter.

My winner: Pennetta in three.

Milos Raonic [Canada] versus Andreas Seppi [Italy]

Raonic was the victim to one of the biggest upsets in Hopman Cup history when he lost to Pole, Panfil. Panfil was able to rush Raonic off the ball, I can't see Seppi having this ability. Seppi's game will give Raonic a bit more time to settle and to get into a rhythm. This match should see Raonic get back into the winners circle.

My winner: Raonic in two.

Bouchard/Raonic [Canada] versus Pennetta/Seppi [Italy]

The Canadians have been hot and cold in their mixed doubles, if they're luke-warm at all the Italian's will take full advantage. Pennetta bossed the court in their mixed doubles match against Australia and she'll be looking to take control again. Both Raonic and Bouchard don't have a lot of doubles experience and whilst they have the bigger game, Italy has the craft and doubles prowess.

My winner: Italy in two.

Italy always make a good account of themselves at the Hopman Cup, but always seem to just come up short of the final.

Hopman Cup: Preview and predictions (Day 5)

USA [2] v. France [3]

Sloane Stephens [USA] versus Alize Cornet [France]

Cornet was quite impressive in her opener against Kvitova, she's definitely on the way back up after dropping from her peak rank of eleven in 2009. Stephens was too good Medina Garrigues and I think it'll be more of the same here. Cornet has more power than Medina, but does play a similar game. Expect some long, exciting rallies in this match.

My winner: Stephens in two.

John Isner [USA] versus Jo-Wilfried Tsonga [France]

Isner can keep up with any player on tour because he may as well serve out of a tree. I expect this to be the case against Tsonga, the sets will be tight, possible a couple tie breakers. Tsonga's quickness and athleticism will be the difference here, he should be able to get a lot of balls back and make the big American play one more ball.

My winner: Tsonga in two.

Stephens/Isner [USA] versus Cornet/Tsonga [France]

This match should be close, it's extremely hard to call. Both teams had good first up wins. Both girls seem fairly even in doubles, but the difference for me should be Isner. His presence alone on a doubles court is extremely intimidating. Tsonga really needs to be active and authoritative for France to have a chance. This one could go either way.

My winner: USA is three.

If USA win, it starts to look like they are favourites to get through group B.