Players who wouldn't surprise you.

[TsarMatt]

Tsonga and Del Potro. The latter can match it with anyone when he is on-song, but unfortunately, he is riddled with inconsistency. He has suffered two early exists in the last two majors, despite being one of the favourites for both. I can see him winning another major at the rate he is going - he needs to schedule wiser and stop vulturing the 500 titles. He needs to focus on the major stuff, including at least one Masters 1000 title win. If I was Delpo, I'd use Andy Murray's scheduling as my platform. Just focus and participate in the big events instead of playing a bunch of 250/500 tournaments. Look at what happened at RG '13 - his scheduling during the European clay court season was so excessive he ended up falling ill and was forced to withdraw.

 

[the AntiPusher]

I hate to say it but its gotta be Berdych.. I inquired earlier in the tourney that he may be the one who challenges Djoker on his side of the draw. TB has all the tools and fitness to win a slam but its what is between the ears that is one of his primary issues.

 

[tennisville]

Berdych and Almagro would have lost to Nadal yesterday you know. These 2 players will never take a slam as long as Rafa is there in the draw

 

[DarthFed]

I take this to mean players who haven't won one yet so we can scratch DP and Stan off the list. Of the remaining players I'd say Berdych would be the least surprising right now though I'd still be surprised if he ever wins one. Tsonga is close and it is possible he goes absolutely crazy with his serve and forehand and snatches a major but I just think that Berd has more all around weapons. Tsonga's ROS and backhand are really poor. If he ever gets competent in both those areas he would be a lot more scary. One thing this tournament proved in spades is that anything is possible. In the near future that might change to Dimitrov being someone that seems most likely to be the next to win his first slam.

 

[Moxie]

Good thread, House, since, after today, we have to re-think 'possible.' In fairness, Ferrer, because he's been so close for so long, though I'm not laying money. I'm not buying Berdych, though I'm still willing to hold out hope for Tsonga and Del Potro. Gasquet? I'm not speculating on the youngsters, as the list is long, and too unripe.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Berdych and Almagro would have lost to Nadal yesterday you know. These 2 players will never take a slam as long as Rafa is there in the draw

Those two players had previously won aleast a set or two vs Rafa, Stan won his first 3 set vs Rafa of their career H2h and they were the biggest EVER. We really never know.

 

[Mastoor]

Of those who never won a slam I wouldn't be surprised if Tsonga and Berdych win.

Di Mitrov and Pospisil some day hopefully Jerzy Janovic as well.

 

[Mastoor]

Some very long shots:

Tsonga, Gulbis, Dimitrov, and of course Pipo Volandri.

Gulbis of course, but we are yet to see him stringing 3 good matches in a raw let alone 7.

 

[TsarMatt]

I reckon if the Nard Dog can get his act together over the next few years a GS win on end wouldn't surprise me. Man, is he gifted? Too bad he is such an ass, though.

 

[britbox]

I'd be surprised if Del Potro DIDN'T win another.

As for winning one, I think Dimitrov will get there, but it's going to take time.

I really can't see Tsonga or Berd cutting it.

 

[Moxie]

I reckon if the Nard Dog can get his act together over the next few years a GS win on end wouldn't surprise me. Man, is he gifted? Too bad he is such an ass, though.

Nard Dog?

I'd be surprised if Del Potro DIDN'T win another.

As for winning one, I think Dimitrov will get there, but it's going to take time.

I really can't see Tsonga or Berd cutting it.

I have less faith in Del Potro as time passes. Even before the injury news today. It won't be a shocker if he gets another, but I'm less and less likely to feel surprised if he doesn't. Since Stan surprised us all the other day, and this thread is about who might yet pull it off, I'd pick Tsonga over Berdy, but that probably has no merit beyond instinct and inclination.

Dimitrov has made a further case that he's going to step into the void left when the big 4 fade. And I'm still hoping that Janowicz turns into at least a mini-Safin.

 

[isabelle]

Hope Juan Martin will win another GS but not sure he'll because of his fragile body. Tsonga missed the train, I guess it's too late for him but maybe I'm wrong ?? Same for Birdie