Welcome back. In this, the first of this year’s weekly posts (every Sunday), I take a vague stab in the dark for the season ahead.
Who will have a good year and who will struggle.
Slam Champions
Australia: Federer and Halep
With Rafa and Andy still injured and Djokovic maybe still finding his feet, there should still be one last chance at a slam for the Swiss. Simona will start the year well but tail off.
Roland Garros: Nadal and Halep
Likewise here, Nadal’s injuries will continue but such is his aura in Paris, it won’t matter much here. Halep will have confidence from Oz and her triumph here last year.
Wimbledon: Djokovic and Kerber
Novak will narrowly miss out in the first half of the year but will dominate again from here on. Likewise for Angelique.
US Open: Djokovic and Serena
One last swansong for Serena?
Year-end Championships: Murray and Wozniacki
A good year elsewhere for: DelPo, Svitolina, Pliskova, Zverev, Murray, Sabalenka
A bad year elsewhere for: Osaka, Anderson
I’ll admit, these are based on little more than a hunch/gut feeling.
I could look hard at the early season indications: success for Bautista-Agut, Federer, Anderson, Klizan Pliskova, Goerges and Sabalenka – but these are notorious red herrings for the months ahead.
All Things Tennis 