Tennis 2012: Grand Slammed!

The year 2012 was unique in Tennis in more ways than one and many players made their mark over the last 12 months. The article focuses on the men’s Grand Slams of the year 2012 and presents a lighter side of the year that went by. The year started with Novak Djokovic claiming his 4^th Grand Slam title in his last 5 attempts, only missing out on the French Open in 2011. Djokovic went on to beat Roger Federer in the World Tour Finals 2012 in London to end the year on a high.

This is how the Grand Slams of 2012 turned out.

1. The Australian Open

The top 4 seeds contested the semi-finals in this Grand Slam. The 100^th Australian Open also had a fitting finale. Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in an epic five setter to retain his Australian Open crown and start the year on a high. Djokovic’s eyes were firmly set on the French Open as he was aiming to complete a ‘Career Slam’.

2. The French Open

The Australian Open finalists again met in the finals of the French Open and Rafael Nadal returned the favor, beating Djokovic in straight sets. This was Nadal’s seventh French Open title, one which denied Djokovic the ‘Career Slam’ yet again. Nadal defended his French Open and also beat Bjorn Borg’s feat of six French Open titles. Nadal, however, was then bogged down by a series of knee injuries.

3. The Wimbledon

Wimbledon’s favorite son returned to the arena and won his first Grand Slam after almost two years. The final match had the home favorite Andy Murray trying to become the first Briton in almost a century to win at Wimbledon. The match started very positively for Andy but he threw away the one set advantage as Roger wrapped the match in 4 sets. Roger’s nemesis at Wimbledon in the last few years, Rafael Nadal, was knocked out by little known Lucas Rosol. This Grand Slam set up the remaining year well, with 3 different winners for the first three Grand Slams of the year.

4. The US Open

Andy Murray was fresh from an Olympic gold and was looking to go one step further. He broke his Grand Slam jinx and that of Britain as he became the first man since Fred Perry to win a Grand Slam. The Scot had tears in his eyes as he overcame defending champion Novak Djokovic in 5 sets and then collapsed to the ground. It was a famous win for Andy Murray, one that will be remembered for years to come. He, however, faltered against the same opponent at the year ending World Tour finals in the semi-finals. With the monkey off his back, Andy Murray should try to win every Grand Slam that comes his way.

The Others

Jo Wilfred Tsonga, Tomas Berdych, Janko Tipseravic, Mardy Fish and more importantly David Ferrer gave the top 4 a big fight. The race for an elusive Grand Slam title has become fierce between these players but it looks as if there is a long time to go before they can come close to the top 4. David Ferrer will remain the top player outside the Top 4 as he has beaten everyone in the top 10 other than the top 4 this season at the Grand Slams.

Grand Slams of 2013

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic starts strong favorite to defend his Australian Open title. Djoker has a sense of supremacy over Roger Federer and Murray has to take his temperament to Djoker’s level if he has to look for another Grand Slam title soon. Nadal will look to nurse his knee back to health as he sits back and enjoys the Australian Open on TV.

French Open: If Rafael Nadal is fit, he starts as a favorite, irrespective of lack of match practice. Rafa owns clay and can beat anyone, even at 80 percent fitness. If Rafael Nadal doesn’t make the French Open, this could be Djoker’s best chance to complete a Career Grand Slam. He looks capable and competent enough to lift the trophy. Murray will have to make sure he presses for a spot in the finals and then play his heart out if he has to win. Roger Federer will win the French Open only if none of the remaining top 4 make it to the finals.

Wimbledon: This is a tournament that will be fought neck to neck between all the four champions. A tournament that promises to be a treat for all tennis fans world-wide. I wish I could say anyone other than the top 4 had a chance.

US Open: This could go down to the wire again between Djokovic and Murray. Roger and Nadal will struggle to make it past the semis.

The only ‘DARK HORSE’

Juan Martin DelPotro: If there is anyone outside the ‘Top 4’ who can win a Grand Slam in 2013, it is this man. His sheer passion and will to win makes this former US Open champion a serious contender. He has a forehand to die for and the attitude of a champion. I feel he has one more Grand Slam in him and you never know, 2013 could be a lucky year.

The person I feel most sorry for

David Ferrer: With his flair and passion, I expect him to make all the quarters and at-least two semis, but even in the most positive mind sets, I don’t see him making a Grand Slam final. The best player out side the ‘Top 4’ needs a 3 upsets per Grand Slam and needs Nadal to not play in any of the Grand Slams to win his first Grand Slam. Complicated and difficult? You Bet.

The Fatal four-way: My predictions

- Rafael Nadal will dominate Roger Federer and Andy Murray irrespective of fitness on Clay and on Hard Courts, but will struggle against Djokovic.

- Roger Federer will edge out Rafa and Murray on Grass, but will find it difficult against Djokovic. Any other surface Roger may have to depend on upsets.

- Andy Murray may have a formula against Djokovic but at his best bet, Wimbledon may falter mentally against Roger. If Nadal is unfit, Murray will make it to at-least 2 Grand Slam finals.

- Djokovic is the man yet again who might dominate everyone. He will struggle against a fully fit Rafa on clay, but that doesn’t look like a possibility this year.

Winner Predictions 2013:

Australian Open: Djokovic

French Open: Djokovic/Federer

Wimbledon: Federer/Murray

US Open: Djokovic/Murray