Time To Starting Following The Tennis Tour Again

Ok, it's Australian Open time.

Readers of this tennis blog are well aware that I don't pay much attention to the pro tennis tour after the US Open. To me, it's all exhibtion tennis and a time for the players to make money and gain ranking points.

Personally, I've been focusing on my own game these past few months. But, now the real tennis season is starting. So, here are some of the story lines as the season starts:

1. How dominant will Roger Federer be this year? Can he possibly repeat his performance of 2006? Personally, I've got a crazy feeling that he won't be as dominant but that he'll win the French Open.

2. Will Rafael Nadal's slide continue? Everybody who follows the tour is aware that Nadal's results after Wimbledon have been disappointing. It's proably a combination of fatigue, injury, and the fact that the tour players probably now have a good book on Nadal.

They are all probably aware to step in and take the short topspin balls that Nadal hits and attack with flat shots. Blake and Berdych in particular have troubled Nadal by playing this way.

3. Is anybody else ready to step into the top 5? My one prediction is Novak Djokovic.
He's a big guy with a lot of power off both sides. And what about Gael Monfils? Personally, I've never been that impressed with the tactical side of Monfils' game.

4. Can Andy Roddick continue to improve? Imagine Roddick with a return and a volley.
Roddick did beat Federer last week in an exhibition and that has to be a great way to start the new year.

5. On the women's side, will Sharapova have a dominating year? I think she is the one woman with the game and the competivenesss to win majors consistently. Henin-Hardenne seems too injury prone.

6. Can either of the William's sisters make an impact this year? It's getting less and less likely but I could see a Wimbledon surprise.

Any comments?

Glenn Sheiner M.D. - author of Insider Tennis Strategies An Ebook of Winning Ugly Type Tennis Tips guaranteed to make you a smarter tennis player and take your tennis to the next level.

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