PETE ZIEBRON
2009 US Open Champion Juan Martin del Potro Pete Ziebron Images
Speaking to the ATP Broadcast team during the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam a few weeks ago, Tournament Director and 1996 Wimbledon Champion Richard Krajieck shared his thoughts on players to watch going forward.
Krajicek tabbed Juan Martin del Potro as his favorite in the next two to three years to challenge the Top Four in the ATP. "He is a constant to win multiple Grand Slams." noted Krajicek when discussing del Potro, the eventual Champion of the 500 level tournament in Rotterdam.
Meanwhile, Krajicek also identified Canadian Milos Raonic, Aussie Bernard Tomic and Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov as players that could be in the Top Five in the ATP rankings in the next four to five years. The 18th ranked Raonic owns four career titles, including his third consecutive crown in San Jose earlier this month. "We saw how big he can play, how good he can play." Krajieck stated in his praise of Raonic.
Aussie Bernie Tomic continues to show improvement each year. Pete Ziebron Images
Concerning 45th ranked Bernie Tomic, Krajicek had this to say: "Tomic is a very good player. One and a half years ago,he almost beat Djokovic in the Wimbledon quarterfinal. He just needs to get more consistent." Tomic won his first career title this January in Sydney.
Finally, Krajicek fondly recalled how Grigor Dimitrov lost a tight 3 set match to Rafael Nadal in Rotterdam in 2009, dropping the final set 5-7 to Nadal. The 33rd ranked Bulgarian got to the Rotterdam semifinals this year, losing to del Potro. Dimitrov's best career showing is an appearance this year in the Brisbane Final.
Two years ago at Indian Wells, Rod Laver pointed out three players to watch: Raonic, Tomic and Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine. Since that time, Raonic jumped in the rankings from #37 to #18, Tomic from #187 to #45 and Dolgopolov improved only one position, from #23 to #22. Raonic and Dogopolov have each enjoyed career high rankings of #13 and Tomic was able to reach #21.
Alexandr Dolgopolov owns titles in each of the last two years and a world #22 ranking. Pete Ziebron Images