2024 Predictions and Questions (and 2023 impressions/wrap-up)

[the AntiPusher]

I am interested to see how the coaching partnership of Becker with Rune in 2024,
The test for Ben Shelton to me, starts at the AO in 2024, can he defend his QF points from 2023.
Novak is a 'lock in' for the title at the AO in 2024, who would really bet against him.

Holger Rune can defeat Novak at AO. Novak's defense at AO hasn't been as easy as Rafa's defense for RG.. Thiem, Rafa, Stan and others have had their opportunities to take him out. Yes Novak is the favorite there but he isn't invincible.

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

Holger Rune can defeat Novak at AO. Novak's defense at AO hasn't been as easy as Rafa's defense for RG.. Thiem, Rafa, Stan and others have had their opportunities to take him out. Yes Novak is the favorite there but he isn't invincible.

Rune certainly has the talent to beat just about everyone, Novak included. The problem is that Rune hasn't proven that he can stay healthy for the entirety of a grand slam fortnite.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Holger Rune can defeat Novak at AO. Novak's defense at AO hasn't been as easy as Rafa's defense for RG.. Thiem, Rafa, Stan and others have had their opportunities to take him out. Yes Novak is the favorite there but he isn't invincible.

Noone is invincible at GS, of course playing at RG is the hardest slam to win especially defense wise,
Well I am looking back at this years AO, I mean it was a straight forward, SS win for Novak, The Greek put up nothing, Novak exposed his bhand and BH slice.
I am still out with Rune and his physical abilities in a 5 set match, as we have both discussed he needs to get a good conditioner in the off season, yes he has the game, also his ability at times under pressure for shot selections leaves a lot to be desired, though he is young and has plenty of time to improve in those areas
That is why I am interested to see what Becker can do for him
I read Moxie's thoughts she dosent think Becker is the right fit for Rune
Time will tell!

 

[El Dude]

What are your thoughts on Zverev? for 2024, considering his ankle injury, coming back this year he finished in the Top 10,

No idea. He definitely seems close to his 2021 form, but he'd probably need a favorable draw and an upset or two to win a Slam. He's in danger of becoming the best player of the Open Era without a Slam.

Highest Career PEP without a Slam

1. Ferrer 126
2. Okker 119
3. Zverev 99
4. Berdych 86
5. Gottfried 74
6. Solomon 73
7. Tsonga 73
8. Tsitsipas 71
9. Dibbs 67
10. Davydenko 67

 

[rafanoy1992]

2023 Biggest breakthrough: Ben Shelton

2023 Biggest surprise(s): Adrian Mannarino and Grigor Dimitrov

2023 Biggest disappointment: FAA (sorry @El Dude)

As for 2024, the young player that I will keep an eye on is 19-year old Arthur Fils. He is already in the Top 40 ranking wise and he will only get better. I just wish he fixes his serve motion or technique. I do not really like his high ball toss at all!

As for breakthrough, I will say Jannik Sinner will either reach his first slam final OR wins his maiden slam title. I mean there should be no excuses for him not to reach his 1st slam Final in 2024.

One more thing: I think Rune will reach his first slam SF in 2024.

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

 

[shawnbm]

So, the Saudis are trying to make similar inroads to what they were successful in accomplishing with golf.

 

[Kieran]

So, the Saudis are trying to make similar inroads to what they were successful in accomplishing with golf.

It’ll make me lose interest in tennis if this happens. Seriously..

 

[shawnbm]

I hope the tennis world rejects it but big money is hard for the guys outside the top twenty or so to turn down.

 

[Kieran]

I hope the tennis world rejects it but big money is hard for the guys outside the top twenty or so to turn down.

The money goes generally to the best especially when it comes to sponsorship, which is how it should be, but yeah, there'll be huge incentives for less successful players to play Saudi Arabian tournaments (and turn a blind eye to the horrors that country commits against minorities, other religious, and women). I'm sick that golf and a lot of footballers sold out completely..

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I think that post which I had already read on Twitter from Jon Wertheim the other day is just 'chatter' there isnt anything concrete, Remember starting on Tuesday 28th November this year the first ATP sanctioned event to be held in Saudi Arabia is the Next Gen ATP Finals.So the Saudis have got a small foot in to a tennis tournament.

 

[Front242]

Holger Rune can defeat Novak at AO. Novak's defense at AO hasn't been as easy as Rafa's defense for RG.. Thiem, Rafa, Stan and others have had their opportunities to take him out. Yes Novak is the favorite there but he isn't invincible.

 

[kskate2]

@Front242
Chung says don't sell him short either

CC: @the AntiPusher

 

[don_fabio]

Both guys wear glasses .

 

[Fiero425]

Like others, Novak's performance this year was a bit surprising. I didn't think he was done, but I didn't expect him to win four of the five biggest titles or reach four Slam finals again. It is truly awe-inspiring, and while some like to focus on the fact that he's vulturing titles in a field that doesn't include Fedal, peak Murray or Stanimal, to me the overwhelming feeling is awe at him doing this at age 36 (which is the same age Roger was in his last great year, in 2017).

Other impressions...obviously Sinner taking it up a notch. Also, the top of the rankings seems to have only gotten younger, with a couple 20-year olds in the top 10 and everyone else (other than Novak) age 27 or younger. Ben Shelton and Arthur Fils are the two (sort of) new names that are now relevant.

I sort of dislike the notion that if a player is unlikely to win a Slam, then it is time to "sell" on them. I get that Slams are the big kahuna, but Masters are still strongly competitive, and I like the fact that the field has opened up a bit so we have guys like Hurkacz and Rublev winning Masters (not to mention Norrie, Coric, etc).

As for 2024, it is so hard to make predictions because I could see any number of things occurring. But there are things I'm looking for, as well as varying degrees of "Slam title likelihood." Right now I see the categories as...

Slam favorites: Djokovic, Alcaraz
Slam contenders: Rafa (RG only), Medvedev, Sinner
Slam darkhorses: Rublev, Zverev, Tsitsipas, Rune, Shelton, Auger-Aliassime (I mean, maybe?), Hurkacz (Wimbledon)

As always, I'll be watching young players and seeing how they develop. For me one of the most exciting things to see is a new young guy breaking through to another level, so I'll be watching players like Sinner, Shelton, Auger-Aliassime, Fils, and even some of the guys who seemed to have stalled out a bit like Korda, Musetti, and Fokina, to see whether they can take another step forward.

Very DARKHORSES! These guys are struggling to make Masters' finals! I'm just not sure WTH is going to happen in 2024! It's too easy to say Novak should continue his dominance, b/c it has to stop sooner or later! I give him the AO until he's actually knocked off by someone playing better! The rest of the season is up for grabs IMO; esp. w/ the Olympics coming up and the lead up! I can see Djokovic putting too much pressure on himself to win in MC to achieve "Triple Golden Masters" & Paris for a 4th FO to solidify his versatility of surface performance! Novak's cursed when it comes to the Olympics; gone early or missed out in tough fashion in the SF! He's just been so unlucky! This is like Federer in 2012 w/ great expectations after winning his 7th Wimbledon & the OG being played at SW 19! Got all the way to the final and blew it! Better $$ being put on how Dokovic bows out this time!

 

[Front242]

Very DARKHORSES! These guys are struggling to make Masters' finals! I'm just not sure WTH is going to happen in 2024! It's too easy to say Novak should continue his dominance, b/c it has to stop sooner or later! I give him the AO until he's actually knocked off by someone playing better! The rest of the season is up for grabs IMO; esp. w/ the Olympics coming up and the lead up! I can see Djokovic putting too much pressure on himself to win in MC to achieve "Triple Golden Masters" & Paris for a 4th FO to solidify his versatility of surface performance! Novak's cursed when it comes to the Olympics; gone early or missed out in tough fashion in the SF! He's just been so unlucky! This is like Federer in 2012 w/ great expectations after winning his 7th Wimbledon & the OG being played at SW 19! Got all the way to the final and blew it! Better $$ being put on how Dokovic bows out this time!

Fed didn't blow it in the OG 2012 final. His legs were toast after the crazy long semi against Del Potro unfortunately.

 

[Fiero425]

Fed didn't blow it in the OG 2012 final. His legs were toast after the crazy long semi against Del Potro unfortunately.

True enough Del Po kept Roger out there, but he was supposedly the Grass GOAT! Murray was another one of his pigeons so it still surprised all!

 

[Kieran]

True enough Del Po kept Roger out there, but he was supposedly the Grass GOAT! Murray was another one of his pigeons so it still surprised all!

Murray rode the wave, I think. My brother went to the tennis Olympics in London and he said the buzz was terrific. I think Murray caught the moment perfectly.

Roger was probably tired too but it’s grass, it’s still easier to shorten the points there, if you know how, and he certainly does..

 

[the AntiPusher]

Good one Fronty...hey it's just a hopeful prediction.

 

[Front242]

True enough Del Po kept Roger out there, but he was supposedly the Grass GOAT! Murray was another one of his pigeons so it still surprised all!

Fed had no magic jungle juice potion unfortunately and fatigues like a normal human being.