New favorites, other favorite players

[Moxie]

With the rise of Stan Wawrinka, I was curious if folks wanted to discuss where everyone is shaking down with him, but with the other "non-Big 4," as well. I didn't want to make a thread as to just who was becoming a fan of the Stanimal, but I'm interested to know who is. He's the striding player out of the Obvious Ones. But additionally, there are other players trending, and sides seem to begin to be drawn. I'm not asking who people think will do well, so much as who they "like," as in, could be a fan of.

You're welcome to state who your favorite is, but let's keep the discussion to outside of the Big Four, which is still Nadal, Djokovic, Federer and Murray. I'd like to know who your hearts are beating a little faster for. Wawrinka, Fognini, Del Potro (even though he's out for now, I'd like to know who has him at or near the top of their list of faves,) Dimitrov, Dolgopolov, any of the young up-and-comers, etc. Even the old-timers who we still hold out hope for, like Tsonga, Berdych and Monfils.

 

[Riotbeard]

My extra big 4 Favorite is Delpo! That being said, I am excited someone is shaking it up even though it isn't Juan Martin.

My other non big 4 favorites in addition to Delpo are:
Julien Benneteau
Jerzy Janowicz (although it's been tough watching him muddle through these past months and months)
Formerly Mardy Fish and was getting into Brian Baker (Boy I can pick the soon to be injured)

That's really it: I am excited about Dimitrov's progress, just because I want some new contenders even though I hope Novak beats them all

 

[tented]

Excellent idea for a thread to discuss players other than the Big Four. They get plenty of attention elsewhere.

Dimitrov, Dolgopolov, Delbonis, Davydenko (and any other player whose last name begins with D), JMDP, Pospisil, Bautista Agut, and Thiem are the first who come to mind, but I'm sure I'm forgetting a few.

A big problem with the up-and-comers is not getting chances to see them. TV coverage is so focused on the big names, that it makes it extremely difficult to see so many others, unless they play a top name. But if Thiem, for example, is playing Nieminen in the first round ... well, good luck with that. There may not even be a photograph of that match, nevertheless TV coverage.

 

[Iona16]

Ferrer, Del Potro and Tsonga. I have to say that after following Berdych on twitter I've found myself warming to him. He has really surprised me - very funny guy. I have to like the personality of a player as well as their tennis. Dolgo is always fun to watch - really quirky. I do wish Monfils could remain injury free for a season or two. I love watching him play.

None of the younger generation have really caught my attention yet.

 

[Moxie]

^ I hope the best for DelPotro when he comes back again to fulfill some of that great potential. I like the guy and his game. Also, Tsonga. He's running out of time, but as there seems to be such a thing as a late career surge, I would't mind seeing one from him. I like Dolgopolov and his quirky game. Have a harder time embracing Dimitrov, for reasons that likely have nothing to do with his tennis. Of the youngsters, I did get to watch some of Thiem today v. Granollers. He's got good skills and seems level-headed.

 

[Luxilon Borg]

Since your asking...

I have always had several tiers of players I would take a strong interest in outside of the top favorites.

My criteria are those I feel are 100% dedicated, do not "accept" losing, or are "happy" to get to the semis.

The following players are in my stock portfolio watch list:

1-Grigor DeeMeatriov: A sick talent who is burning with hunger

2-Niko Almahgrow: Just love the way he sticks out his chest.

3-Towmas Birditch: I am intrigued why he has not won more titles, and by some of his odd losses.

4-Joh Wilfred Songa: A specimen. His lows are low and highs are high.

I'm excluding the Tower Of Tandil due to his season ending injury. I am excluding Ferrer because I think he will bow out within 18 months.

The other set of players I like to follow, which I fondly refer to as the Clown Squad, because
you just never know what you are going to get, and like a car crash, you can't look away:

Goolbis

Fog Of Nini

MonFeels

Gas Que

The following player I enjoy watching because I think their games are impressive, but I don't find them appealing as people:

Batusta Agut, Raonic, The Dog, Jerzey Boy, and Verdasco

 

[Riotbeard]

Since your asking...

I have always had several tiers of players I would take a strong interest in outside of the top favorites.

My criteria are those I feel are 100% dedicated, do not "accept" losing, or are "happy" to get to the semis.

The following players are in my stock portfolio watch list:

1-Grigor DeeMeatriov: A sick talent who is burning with hunger

2-Niko Almahgrow: Just love the way he sticks out his chest.

3-Towmas Birditch: I am intrigued why he has not won more titles, and by some of his odd losses.

4-Joh Wilfred Songa: A specimen. His lows are low and highs are high.

I'm excluding the Tower Of Tandil due to his season ending injury. I am excluding Ferrer because I think he will bow out within 18 months.

The other set of players I like to follow, which I fondly refer to as the Clown Squad, because
you just never know what you are going to get, and like a car crash, you can't look away:

Goolbis

Fog Of Nini

MonFeels

Gas Que

The following player I enjoy watching because I think their games are impressive, but I don't find them appealing as people:

Batusta Agut, Raonic, The Dog, Jerzey Boy, and Verdasco

I forgot about Nico and Ernie! Nico is really the only Spanish player I enjoy watching. Lopez's game can be entertaining too.

 

[Moxie]

Love all the renamings, LB! I forgot about Ernie, too. I have a hard time liking him or rooting for him.

 

[Luxilon Borg]

Love all the renamings, LB! I forgot about Ernie, too. I have a hard time liking him or rooting for him.

I have a soft spot in my heart for crazy people..

 

[Luxilon Borg]

Since your asking...

I have always had several tiers of players I would take a strong interest in outside of the top favorites.

My criteria are those I feel are 100% dedicated, do not "accept" losing, or are "happy" to get to the semis.

The following players are in my stock portfolio watch list:

1-Grigor DeeMeatriov: A sick talent who is burning with hunger

2-Niko Almahgrow: Just love the way he sticks out his chest.

3-Towmas Birditch: I am intrigued why he has not won more titles, and by some of his odd losses.

4-Joh Wilfred Songa: A specimen. His lows are low and highs are high.

I'm excluding the Tower Of Tandil due to his season ending injury. I am excluding Ferrer because I think he will bow out within 18 months.

The other set of players I like to follow, which I fondly refer to as the Clown Squad, because
you just never know what you are going to get, and like a car crash, you can't look away:

Goolbis

Fog Of Nini

MonFeels

Gas Que

The following player I enjoy watching because I think their games are impressive, but I don't find them appealing as people:

Batusta Agut, Raonic, The Dog, Jerzey Boy, and Verdasco

I forgot about Nico and Ernie! Nico is really the only Spanish player I enjoy watching. Lopez's game can be entertaining too.

I like Lopez...it is fun to watch him do everything he can to hide that backhand,

 

[Moxie]

Love all the renamings, LB! I forgot about Ernie, too. I have a hard time liking him or rooting for him.

I have a soft spot in my heart for crazy people..

I've tried to give them up after Safin, though I do understand the appeal.

 

[I.Haychew]

My phaves are Phabio, Youzhny, and K. Anderson, and Kohlschreiber. I don't expect any of them to win anything more than maybe a 500 title, at most (iph they're lucky), but I still like them.
EDIT: And I was/am a big phan of Soderling. Not that he would have won anything of any signiphicance...but I still liked him.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Anyone with a decent single handed backhand always has my attention, so I have always found myself rooting for guys like Almagro, Stan, Dimitrov, Gasquet...

Milos and Popsicle are home town favorites so I want those two to do well.

Couple years ago I was sort of getting excited about Tomic but that died down fast. I am starting to enjoy Nishikori's game these days as well. Dolgopolov can be exciting to watch too, but his lack of consistency just turns me off a bit.

Monfills and Gulbis have entertainment value but that's about it...I watch those two like I might watch Dumb and Dumber or Beavis and Butthead,no offense...

 

[El Dude]

My favorite non-Federer player is Grigor Dimitrov. Other than those two, I don't have a strong desire to see any particular player win at this point and it all depends upon the matchup. I usually root for the underdog.

 

[tented]

My favorite non-Federer player is Grigor Dimitrov. Other than those two, I don't have a strong desire to see any particular player win at this point and it all depends upon the matchup. I usually root for the underdog.

Do you watch many matches which don't involve them?

 

[DarthFed]

I like Haas, Fog, Dr. Youz, and Ernie. All 4 are headcases, mostly in an entertaining way, yet they have a lot of game on the days they aren't self destructing.

 

[TsarMatt]

My 4: Tomic, Kyrgios, Kokkinakis, and Dolgopolov.

Yeah, I'm a bit biased.

 

[isabelle]

Delpo, Ferrer, Gasquet, Haas, the Dog, Hewitt, nuts Ernie are my fav

 

[Federberg]

I've actually been a fan of Stan for a while. Always liked his game, and he's beaten up on Murray a few times which always helps. But he really became my 2nd fav after the match against Nole last year. I also like Delpo's game, although I think post the first injury his backhand isn't quite the same. Still I'll always watch his matches with interest if only to get a glimpse of that awesome forehand!

 

[El Dude]

My favorite non-Federer player is Grigor Dimitrov. Other than those two, I don't have a strong desire to see any particular player win at this point and it all depends upon the matchup. I usually root for the underdog.

Do you watch many matches which don't involve them?

I watch whatever matches I can when I can, and will put more or less effort into watch a match depending upon how "sexy" the matchup is. In other words, I can live without seeing, say, Kubot vs. Kamke, but would love to see Dolgopolov vs. Gulbis. I will almost always watch Slam finals, usually some earlier round matches and ATP 1000 finals, and other matches here and there. When I'm watching a given match between two players that aren't Federer or Dimitrov, I usually find myself cheering for the underdog or whoever happens to be down at the time, or whoever I take a temporary liking to. The main thing is I want to see a good match.

Also, it isn't that I'm indifferent about all other players, just that it depends upon the matchup. I also have an especial interest in young players, so like to watch Vesely, Thiem, Kyrgios, etc.

Why do you ask?