Breakthrough player of 2011

by **djarvik** » Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:44

Who will finally "breakthrough" this year? ...and why?

Here are my picks:

Ernests Gulbis. I think he will be in top 15, maybe even 10 by the end of the year. Presumably no serious injuries. I think this year he will not lose a lot to players ranked below him. This was his main problem last 2 years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr9zszV8f6E
- Look at 2:22 point. Great shot by Rafa.

Alexandr Dolgopolov. I think this guy is destined for a GS one day and even a #1 spot for a few weeks. He is that good. This year look for him in top 20 with a few small titles and QF in GS or two.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Medi ... polov.aspx
- Mr. Highlight reel. Anything this guy does on the court is so un-orthodox and yet so effective and just "cool".

Themo De Bakker. I really liked his game last year. He may not have the up side of Gulbis or Dolgo, but he is very disciplined on the court and much less nervous. He will be 25 or so by the year end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzaRbLNZFxk
- His court positioning and shot selection is great. Just needs a bit more "bite".

by **Cro Morgan** » Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:22

I like Ernests Gulbis but he'll never breakthrough - not to the level he is capable of anyway. Just not enough of "the stuff" in his gut -- stuff that propels naturally gifted athletes to be champions.

My choice: Andrey Golubev

"As World No. 82, capped a dream week at the Rothenbaum when he lifted his first ATP World Tour title (d. Melzer)…Celebrated 23rd birthday on 22 July, prior to beating first Top 10 win over No. 6 Davydenko in 3rd RD…Became first player for Kazakhstan to win an ATP World Tour title…On 26 July rose to a career-high World No. 37."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_6cu21RWHo

by **Elargento** » Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:13

for me dolgopolov or stackovzky.

by **Cro Morgan** » Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:37

Cro Morgan wrote:I like Ernests Gulbis but he'll never breakthrough - not to the level he is capable of anyway. Just not enough of "the stuff" in his gut -- stuff that propels naturally gifted athletes to be champions.

My choice: Andrey Golubev

"As World No. 82, capped a dream week at the Rothenbaum when he lifted his first ATP World Tour title (d. Melzer)…Celebrated 23rd birthday on 22 July, prior to beating first Top 10 win over No. 6 Davydenko in 3rd RD…Became first player for Kazakhstan to win an ATP World Tour title…On 26 July rose to a career-high World No. 37."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_6cu21RWHo

Forgot to mention, as a resident of Kazakhstan, Golubev lives next to...

What's not to like!

by **VillaJ100** » Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:56

Is nice, i like.

Hopefully Dmitrov can make a strong push into the top 50, and maybe a grand slam QF or something, and attack the top 10 in 2012.

by **Vieira151** » Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:09

VillaJ100 wrote:Is nice, i like.

Hopefully Dmitrov can make a strong push into the top 50, and maybe a grand slam QF or something, and attack the top 10 in 2012.

That's impossible. We're all gonna die, haven't you heard?

Seriously speaking, I like the look of Dolgopolov's game, i hope gulbis plays awesome consistently this year. There are a few others like De Bakker and Dimitrov who could be good, but i dont see it happening, really.

Oh, also that guy who got to the QF of roldan garros last year might have a good year, cant rememeber his name

:lol:

#
PS i hope Simon gets good again, i liked him

by **Moralspain** » Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:53

I agree with most of you, and i'll add 2 more names:

-Robin Haase (Netherlands) who started 2010 as the n 447 of the world and ended the 65, i really like his style, kind of Dimitrov's style
-Santiago Giraldo (Colombia), i think he can do well this year, good progression last season

Robin

Santiago

by **Tantsutallinn** » Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:10

Mark my words: Jürgen Zopp from Estonia!

by **SlicerITST** » Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:42

I like Haase's game over de bakker but with the injuries Haase has had i doubt he will ever have an injury free season.

by **Chederer** » Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:54

watch out for Grigor Dimitrov this year...im not saying he will crack top 50 but top 100 for sure

by **djarvik** » Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:14

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Medi ... rview.aspx

I think Gulbis gained some wight, he looks a bit balkier?

by **Cro Morgan** » Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:48

Another guy to keep an eye on: Viktor Troicki.

Caught my attention at the US Open - a classic battle with Djokovic. The guy is damn good - and already playing well in 2011.

A shoo-in for the R16 at Melbourne.

by **Cro Morgan** » Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:51

djarvik wrote:http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2011/01/Sydney-2011-Thursday-Simon-Interview.aspx

I think Gulbis gained some wight, he looks a bit balkier?

Also talks like a guy who is out of shape (no long rallies for me, thank you very much). :lol:

by **Vieira151** » Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:11

Cro Morgan wrote:
djarvik wrote:http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2011/01/Sydney-2011-Thursday-Simon-Interview.aspx

I think Gulbis gained some wight, he looks a bit balkier?

Also talks like a guy who is out of shape (no long rallies for me, thank you very much).

Yeah

Got this from eurosport(not sure if its in the vid, cause i have no sound on pc...

"Bad," the Latvian said when asked how he felt. "Yesterday's match killed me physically. It was really humid and I lost a lot fluids, so straight I went to the hotel and I went to sleep. I didn't feel good.
"Going to be okay tomorrow. I just can't go really long matches. Don't tell Simon," he added, with a laugh.

by **Vieira151** » Fri, 14 Jan 2011 02:15

Talking of Gulbis..

Gulbis vs Simon Predictions?

Seems Gulbis has lost his head :lol:

EDIT: Shortest full set ever? 6-0, 16 mins? :lol:

Breakthrough player of 2011

Breakthrough player of 2011

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