Which player do think will poses a challenge to Nole this year and the future? I'm thinking Nick Kyrgios, Alexander Zverev, Borna Coric and Dominic Thiem has the talent and potential to win slams. Given that they are still young, they can only get better.
Which young player(s) will be a threat to Djokovic ?
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EdbergsGhost
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In a best of three tournament, a level-headed Kyrgios could challenge Djokovic this year, maybe even at Wimbledon.
Zverev can still be wrong footed, and Novak would exploit that. Coric doesn't have the power or the tennis IQ yet. Thiem could be problematic, but I think Djoker would handle him.
In the next few years, if Zverev remains healthy, I see him contending on the larger stages. Kyrgios is the wild card. If he lets go of his grip on the gangsta image and focuses more on his fitness and game? The skies the limit for that kid.
Zverev can still be wrong footed, and Novak would exploit that. Coric doesn't have the power or the tennis IQ yet. Thiem could be problematic, but I think Djoker would handle him.
In the next few years, if Zverev remains healthy, I see him contending on the larger stages. Kyrgios is the wild card. If he lets go of his grip on the gangsta image and focuses more on his fitness and game? The skies the limit for that kid.
Moxie
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That's a pretty nice assessment, EG. I think we'd all agree that Kyrgios is the one most poised to cause trouble soon, as he's already proven himself a giant killer, having beaten Nadal and Federer. His tennis is huge, but his temperament can be a distraction. I think everyone is on the edge of their seats to see if he can reign himself in. He certainly did this week. (I believe he beat 3 top 10 players, didn't drop a set, and I'm not sure, but maybe he didn't lose serve? That's a hellava lotta game from a 19-year-old.) Agreed that Thiem and Zverev need some seasoning. I would also add Taylor Fritz in that mix. He models his game after Sampras and Del Potro. It won't happen soon, but I think it could be a tough style match-up to Djokovic down the road. All in all, the youngsters made some real statements in the last couple of weeks, and totally thumbed their noses at the Nishikori/Dimitrov/Raonic generation. If you ask me.
britbox
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I'm also excited about the young batch of young players coming through... particularly Zverev and Kyrgios. Thiem has also been impressive on the red - hopefully continued improvement from him. Taylor Fritz is another name that's beginning to feature.
I think Novak will still have an 18 month window before these guys really start challenging him... Kyrgios is the most advanced and with huge upside to go with his power, he could be a monster. I'm really liking Zverev at the moment - he's been playing since he was 5 years old and hitting with his brother (An ATP Tour Pro - Mascha Zverev) since his early teens... he's big, will grow into his frame and could be a monster... maybe a hybrid Guga/Safin.
Lots to look forward to. Things on the horizon are already beginning to change.
I think Novak will still have an 18 month window before these guys really start challenging him... Kyrgios is the most advanced and with huge upside to go with his power, he could be a monster. I'm really liking Zverev at the moment - he's been playing since he was 5 years old and hitting with his brother (An ATP Tour Pro - Mascha Zverev) since his early teens... he's big, will grow into his frame and could be a monster... maybe a hybrid Guga/Safin.
Lots to look forward to. Things on the horizon are already beginning to change.
Denis
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Wimbledon is best of 5, but agreed on the rest. Thiem is very good on clay, I remember him playing Rafa two years ago at the French and he looked already really good in that match despite losing in straights. Quite frankly that's the only slam I care about, so I'm happy to see these guys will likely be more of a threat elsewhere.
I really cannot stand Kyrgios. I will root for Nadal over him anytime of the week.
Gangsta image, good one EG.:lulz2:
I don't know, hopefully nobody for the next 2 years, minimum.
I don't know, hopefully nobody for the next 2 years, minimum.
Moxie
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But suddenly that becomes a question. The youngsters are making a real play, and they don't come from the "cowed" generation, that thought they couldn't challenge the future hall-of-famers. I think Kyrgios is an immediate threat, and the rest could challenge seriously in 2017.Gangsta image, good one EG.:lulz2:
I don't know, hopefully nobody for the next 2 years, minimum.
mrzz
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Thiem, because he has a very good forehand. I think the only way to stop Djokovic (when he is at his B+ game or above) is with damn'd good forehand. No young player has it already, but I guess Thiem has a chance to get there.
Yes, Kyrgios has a lot of power, but by a good forehand I mean a reliable, all court and all conditions shot. And, specially, a good running forehand. And I believe Thiem is well ahead in those departments.
Yes, Kyrgios has a lot of power, but by a good forehand I mean a reliable, all court and all conditions shot. And, specially, a good running forehand. And I believe Thiem is well ahead in those departments.
britbox
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Kyrgios dropped 5 points in total on his first serve between wins against Gasquet (1), Berdych (2) & Cilic (2) - pretty amazing stats.
Certainly it is a valid question. You are welcome to debate it, of course. I guess I have to ask first what kind of challenge we are talking about here? Challenge for 1 match, challenge for #1 ranking, challenge for slam title? I am of opinion that at any given day anything can happen. Every good player has a chance. It's not like Nole is impossible to beat. To challenge him for #1 ranking this year, I honestly don't see who can do that. But beat him in 1 match is possible. If youngsters are the ones to do it, we have yet to see it. I believe all of his losses last year were to veterans so my vote would go to them, first.
As for the youngsters, he played Dominic only once in Shanghai in 2014 and beat him in straight sets and has yet to play Kyrgios for the first time. I think that match up can be interesting and hopefully it happens soon.
Moxie
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I think the challenge we're talking about this year is basically "dangerous floaters." Or dark horses. Certainly not for the #1 at this point, or in the finals of a big tournament. However, I doubt Djokovic wants to see Thiem, for example, a good clay man, in his quarter at the FO. Or Kyrgios anywhere, coming up soon. The youngsters have nothing to lose so they swing freely. And this crop is not untalented. And they've demonstrated some sturdiness. I think that's why they pose a threat. Novak might put them all in their place this year, and perhaps next, but I'd be surprised if on of them doesn't get him sooner rather than later. Probably just in a random tournament. But they do seem to be making a collective surge.
