Roger Federer
A year ago time seemed to be running out for the Swiss great. Instead, Federer roared back to win his fifth Australian Open title before regaining his Wimbledon crown. Now, with so many of his rivals wounded or absent, the defending champion starts as the hot favourite. Yet the 36-year-old’s quarter-final exit at the US Open reminded him that he must manage his body carefully; his hopes of winning a 20th major will be in doubt if his back plays up.
Rafael Nadal
Part of what made Federer’s renaissance so thrilling was the resumption of his rivalry with Nadal, who also climbed off the canvas to enjoy a successful year. The Spaniard lost to his old friend in a classic Australian Open final, but he completed La Decima at the French Open, strolled to the US Open title and finished the year as the world No1. The 31-year-old’s troublesome knees flared up at the ATP World Tour Finals, however, and his fitness is a concern.
Grigor Dimitrov
With Andy Murray recovering from hip surgery, Kei Nishikori sidelined and uncertainty hanging over Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka, an open field offers a chance for Dimitrov, who has crept up to No3 in the rankings, to produce something of substance. A semi-finalist last year, the Bulgarian has to build on winning the World Tour Finals. But trusting the inconsistent 26-year-old is hard.
Juan Martín del Potro
Dominic Thiem and David Goffin will believe this could be their time, while Marin Cilic is always a threat. But Del Potro is a good outside bet. The lovable Argentinian is free from injury problems at the moment and his victory over Federer at Flushing Meadows last year proved that his game remains explosive enough to inconvenience the best. The world No12 is a terrifying proposition on his day. But can he last the course over a fortnight?
Nick Kyrgios
Tipping the young Australian is always a dangerous game. Many good judges will expect to see far more from Alex Zverev, the world No4, who is widely regarded as the brightest prodigy in the men’s game. Yet the idea of Kyrgios fulfilling his potential remains tantalising. Naturally there is every chance the world No17 could disappoint again at his home tournament, but winning Brisbane was an encouraging step in the right direction from the 22-year-old.
