Australian Open 2018: 5 Players who might spring a surprise

The 2018 Australian Open promises to be a lip-smacking one as it is being considered a battle of the underdogs. This is because the big four of the men’s tennis - Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray - are not looking impressive as far as their fitness and current performances are concerned.

Andy Murray has pulled out of the tournament as the Scot has undergone a hip surgery. Novak Djokovic will be playing his first tournament after remaining out of action for the last 6 months because of a knee injury. Although Rafael Nadal had won the French Open and the US Open last year, he too is facing issues with his knee.

Amongst them, only Roger Federer has lived up to his reputation since the last one year or so, as the Swiss maestro has produced some impressive performances by winning the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the ATP events like Halle Open and Indian Wells Masters. Federer has set really high standards on the court as far as his fitness is concerned.

Apart from the big four Stanislaus Wawrinka who had won last year’s French Open Champion and Jo-Wilfred-Tsonga too are looking out of form and fitness. In addition to this, there are some emerging talents in the men’s tennis circuit who produced some inspiring performances last year. Though they had not won a grand slam title in the last season, they had got some positive results under their belt in the ATP events. Let us take a look at 5 such players who might pull up a surprise in the upcoming Australian Open.

#1 Alexander Zverev

The 21-year-old has been touted as the next big thing in the tennis circles. Alexander Zverev had produced some enigmatic performances last year as the German won his first ATP title of the year by beating Richard Gasquet in the finals in Open Sud De France in Montpellier (France). He also won the Bavarian Championships in Munich in May. Zverev also won the Rome Masters in the same month by beating Novak Djokovic in the finals.

He won the Washington Open in July by beating Kevin Anderson. He produced his most accomplished performance in August when he overcame Roger Federer in the Canadian Open. Alexander Zverev produces powerful backhands, while he can outfox the opponents with the kind of accuracy he possesses through his baseline strokes. His groundstrokes too can surprise the opponents. He has shown tremendous control during net play.

#2 Grigor Dimitrov

The Bulgarian possesses some powerful forehands, combined with his exceptionally placed baseline strokes. His conventional single-handed backhands are quite deceptive. He can produce lightning fast serves which are his main weapon. He can hit some blasting groundstrokes which he employs during the run of play.

Dimitrov won the Brisbane International last year in January after which Dimitrov also won the Cincinnati Masters in August and also the ATP masters in London by beating David Goffin in a thrilling final with a 7-5, 4-6,6-3 scoreline. He has the ability to outclass any higher ranked opponent with his fast-paced game and can spring a real surprise.

#3 Dominic Thiem

The 24-year-old hasn’t done justice to his talent, but surely the Austrian is equipped with the required talent that one needs to succeed at the highest level. Dominic Thiem won the Rio Open in February last year and was runner-up in the Madrid Open in May in which he was defeated in the final by Rafael Nadal.

The Austrian could turn out to be a giant killer for his ability to floor the opponents with his fierce backhands and destructive groundstrokes. He is quite precise with his baselines. Has the ability to stretch the opponents with long rallies and has looked quite brilliant with the control he has shown during lofted shots.

#4 Marin Cilic

Another player who has not lived up to his reputation. The Croatian had to endure a tough time since the last two years or so because of injuries. Although Cilic is slowly coming into his groove, as the 29-year-old is looking as if he is regaining his rhythm. He won the Istanbul Open in May last year and had finished runner-up in Wimbledon where he lost to the eventual champion Roger Federer because he was suffering from an injury in that game.

He also finished as a runner-up in the Queen’s Club Championships in June last year. His previous best finish in an Australian Open is reaching the semi-finals in 2010. Marin Cilic is equally brilliant with his backhand as well as his forehand. He can rush the opposition with his destructive aces. Has the tendency to break down when indulged in long rallies which the opposition might try to unsettle him. He can cover the court with his quickness because of his reach. He can be deceptive with his unconventional net play.

#5 Juan Martin Del Potro

The Argentine is a surprise inclusion in our list as the former US Open Champion was hounded by a career-threatening wrist injury for two years because of which his ranking dipped dramatically. The 29-year-old made a comeback last year and is looking as if he is finding his form once again. He recently entered the final of the Auckland Classic as he overcame a tough challenge from David Ferrer in the semi-final.

Del Potro had earlier won the Auckland Classic in 2009. Though the Argentine lost in the final of the Auckland Classic, a runner-up finish just before a big event like an Australian Open will definitely be a morale booster for Del Potro. His destructive serves and forehands are his main strengths. His groundstrokes too are equally powerful. He finished as a quarterfinalist in the previous Australian Open editions in 2009 and 2012.