[Bodo] 2018 will be a year of disruption

[mrzz]

I also don't buy the disruption thing, and if it happens it is much more due to the big 3 + 1 +1 doing less than what they still can, than from the others stepping up.

As much as I like Dimitrov's game, I hardly see him as a consistent threat to the big boys -- even if the confidence from the titles might give him some extra push.

I still see Thiem as the guy closer to the top, at least as far as clay and slow hards. As I said in other posts, no one came not even close to what he did in the clay court season (where he had three extremely competitive matches with Nadal on clay, including a win), and then went on to the semis at RG dispatching Djokovic on the way. That is, for a spell he was consistently competing with the big guys for the big titles, and all this relying on his skills and not in the drop of form by others.

Zverev is obviously knocking on the door. His major results are poor, yes, but all he needs now is one good match at the quarters or against a quality opponent to break that trend. If the problem is simply down to fitness, that can be solved. He has now literally all the resources in the world.

 

[mcekovic]

I disagree with Bodo, there will be no 'Disruption' in 2018.
Current 'Next Gen' (Thiem, Zverev, Shapovalov, Coric and co.) has so far shown too little results considering their age (excluding Shapovalov which is still too young to be categorized with this statement). True 'all time greats' were winning GS and reaching No 1 or 2 at their age.
Even in 2017, even members of 'Lost Gen' (Dimitrov, Nishikori, Raonic, Cilic...) along with Sock managed to sneak more Big Titles then 'Next Gen' (3 vs 2).
Regarding 'Lost Gen' prospects for 2018, do not see them bright either, as they start to be aged over the usual median peak of a tennis player (26 years old).

 

[lldhub]

I think it is more likely there will be a surprise at the Australian Open than in the remaining three Slams. Considering that the top players will have little time to regain confidence and a good shape before the AO, that Nadal will focus on Roland Garros and should not be considered as good a candidate for Wimbledon as Federer (or as someone else behind), I agree that the four Slams can produce four different champions. If any young gun will win at the Australian Open, that can be the spark for a very competitive year. I am not very sure Zverev will be the one to take advantage of any opportunity, he does not seem enough consistent for a GS tournament and seems in my opinion a bit immature. I hope I am wrong, though. I am really curious to see Djokovic and Murray at the AO to have an idea of their condition, both physical and mental.

 

[mrzz]

All in all, what would really be a surprise in 2018? Given the last few years, we could see almost anything coming. Neither disruption (which I agree is a bit unlikely) nor continuity would seem unexpected...

BTW, welcome @lldhub -- even if I believe I have seen your status message before...

 

[GameSetAndMath]

All in all, what would really be a surprise in 2018?
...

If 90% of tour players or more play 90% of the season or more, that would be a true surprise.