Moxie
Multiple Major Winner
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Now for a few predictions and thoughts on what I'd like to see next year. (I like that addition as an option.)
It's hard to add much to the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry and how it might play out in 2026 to what you've already said, Dude. Hard to see them not still head-and-shoulders above the rest for the coming year. The promising prospects are too young and unseasoned. The ones who should be able to compete with them are either too old, too lacking in talent, or too lacking in chutzpah. And/or on the injured reserve list. I really have no guess who might snag a Major this year other than them. The two most likely, by ranking and pedigree, are Djokovic and Zverev, and I'm not seeing it.
Djokovic: I've been saying for a couple of years he wouldn't win another Slam, and at least for the past two years I'm so far right. It will be interesting to see how this AO plays out for him, as well as the whole year. He's insisting he'll play through the next Olympics in 2028, which is now only 2.5 years away, so maybe he will. But my prediction for him is that he will play a limited schedule, not go as deep in Slams, and his ranking will drop out of the top 10.
Zverev: No matter what he says about commitment, I don't believe him. He's too much of a whiner, and his trousers don't fit well enough for him to win a Slam.
Medvedev: He seems to have lost both belief and commitment. His odd style worked when it surprised people, and he was invested. He's been figured out, and he doesn't back it up by believing in it. Now, he's mostly just crabby and unpleasant. If there's a dead-cat bounce I'd give it to Dimitrov. At least he cares. (Not that I see him winning a Major, but Medvedev won't, either.)
Tsitsipas: I can't do better than Kieran's Trojan horse analogy. If he gets back to the top 10 by EOY, I'll be shocked. Too much whining, too much entitlement, not enough real work. He'll do great on Instagram.
Rublev: He's got the work ethic to stay solid 2nd tier for some years, I think. He only beats up on himself, really. He's got another Masters or 2 in him.
Like El Dude and Mrzz, and many others, I'm keen to see how Fonseca does this year. He has real star-power, and exciting game, and he seems to be handling the attention pretty well. He could make the top 10 by EOY...why not? I'd love to see him make a big leap this year.
I also like Lerner Tien. Lefty, sturdy, willing to grind players down. I'm still not sold on Mensik. Most of the other young players, or those newer to our attention are coming back from injury, so we'll just see.
I like Musetti, and predict he gets his head together for bigger things this year. Cobolli will do well too.
Keep an eye on Francisco Comesana, at least in the clay season. I don't have much to back that up, but hey, I guess he's my bold pick. Well, not especially bold, as I don't know what I'm picking him to do, but a small title and the odd upset? Likewise, Alejandro Tabilo. Canadian who plays for Chile. Has a very nice game. He's more grass and HC, I think.
Who might announce retirements this year? Cilic? RBA? Mannarino?
Looking forward to watching Fonseca develop, to Rune getting better and coming back with a killer attitude, to Berettini having a healthy and successful season. He showed some very positive signs in Davis Cup this past fall, in helping Italy win the Cup. I really hope he can have a few solid years playing his best tennis without interruption. That's a big wish for me, and it would be great for tennis.
I also predict, hopefully, that the US Open will do something about their ridiculously high ticket prices, which they got fairly excoriated for by fans and press alike in 2025.
PS: If any of this sounds ridiculous, or I got it wrong, I'll blame it on champagne.
It's hard to add much to the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry and how it might play out in 2026 to what you've already said, Dude. Hard to see them not still head-and-shoulders above the rest for the coming year. The promising prospects are too young and unseasoned. The ones who should be able to compete with them are either too old, too lacking in talent, or too lacking in chutzpah. And/or on the injured reserve list. I really have no guess who might snag a Major this year other than them. The two most likely, by ranking and pedigree, are Djokovic and Zverev, and I'm not seeing it.
Djokovic: I've been saying for a couple of years he wouldn't win another Slam, and at least for the past two years I'm so far right. It will be interesting to see how this AO plays out for him, as well as the whole year. He's insisting he'll play through the next Olympics in 2028, which is now only 2.5 years away, so maybe he will. But my prediction for him is that he will play a limited schedule, not go as deep in Slams, and his ranking will drop out of the top 10.
Zverev: No matter what he says about commitment, I don't believe him. He's too much of a whiner, and his trousers don't fit well enough for him to win a Slam.
Medvedev: He seems to have lost both belief and commitment. His odd style worked when it surprised people, and he was invested. He's been figured out, and he doesn't back it up by believing in it. Now, he's mostly just crabby and unpleasant. If there's a dead-cat bounce I'd give it to Dimitrov. At least he cares. (Not that I see him winning a Major, but Medvedev won't, either.)
Tsitsipas: I can't do better than Kieran's Trojan horse analogy. If he gets back to the top 10 by EOY, I'll be shocked. Too much whining, too much entitlement, not enough real work. He'll do great on Instagram.
Rublev: He's got the work ethic to stay solid 2nd tier for some years, I think. He only beats up on himself, really. He's got another Masters or 2 in him.
Like El Dude and Mrzz, and many others, I'm keen to see how Fonseca does this year. He has real star-power, and exciting game, and he seems to be handling the attention pretty well. He could make the top 10 by EOY...why not? I'd love to see him make a big leap this year.
I also like Lerner Tien. Lefty, sturdy, willing to grind players down. I'm still not sold on Mensik. Most of the other young players, or those newer to our attention are coming back from injury, so we'll just see.
I like Musetti, and predict he gets his head together for bigger things this year. Cobolli will do well too.
Keep an eye on Francisco Comesana, at least in the clay season. I don't have much to back that up, but hey, I guess he's my bold pick. Well, not especially bold, as I don't know what I'm picking him to do, but a small title and the odd upset? Likewise, Alejandro Tabilo. Canadian who plays for Chile. Has a very nice game. He's more grass and HC, I think.
Who might announce retirements this year? Cilic? RBA? Mannarino?
Looking forward to watching Fonseca develop, to Rune getting better and coming back with a killer attitude, to Berettini having a healthy and successful season. He showed some very positive signs in Davis Cup this past fall, in helping Italy win the Cup. I really hope he can have a few solid years playing his best tennis without interruption. That's a big wish for me, and it would be great for tennis.
I also predict, hopefully, that the US Open will do something about their ridiculously high ticket prices, which they got fairly excoriated for by fans and press alike in 2025.
PS: If any of this sounds ridiculous, or I got it wrong, I'll blame it on champagne.
