Despite the fact that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have shared the last six grand slam titles and seem to be systematically toying with each other when it comes to the world number 1 accolade, there will come a time where both of the stars will decide to hang up their racquets. Federer is coming up on 37 years old and has missed the last three French Opens in order to rest his body for the grass court season, whilst Nadal, who has just turned 32, opted to pull out of the Queen's Club Championships in order to properly focus on Wimbledon - a decision which has actually been defended by Federer. With Murray's injury problems and Djokovic's lack of any sort of form to speak of, the time has come for a new challenger to step up to the plate. But who will it be?
Alexander Zverev
At first glance, it would be easy to dismiss Zverev as all serve and nothing more. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, the German does indeed have a wicked serve, especially his second, which has been clocked at over 130 mph. However, the talented 21 year old possesses an excellent two handed backhand, with a handy cross court forehand for anyone thinking about challenging him at the net. Zverev is fourth favourite in the Wimbledon tennis odds at 10/1 to land his first grand slam title at The All England Club and it may just be that once he lands his maiden title, Zverev will kick on and become the player most Tennis aficionados know he can become.
Alex De Minaur
Fresh from his victory in Nottingham over Britain's Dan Evans, De Minaur already looks a tidy player and has put in a string of impressive performances over the last year or so. After impressively defeating Milos Raonic in Brisbane in Sydney, the 19-year-old went all the way to to the semi-finals, and went one better in the very next tournament in Sydney before succumbing to Russia's Daniil Medvedev. The passionate Australian has recently received a Wimbledon wildcard along with compatriot Lleyton Hewitt and it will be interesting to see how the young gun does in what will undoubtedly be the biggest challenge of his career so far.
Dominic Thiem
At 24 years old and 7th in the world rankings, you could argue that Thiem is already an established player, especially after reaching the final the French Open earlier this month. However, Thiem has shown time and time again that he is well capable of winning multiple slams, not least when he ended Rafael Nadal's clay court winning streak in Madrid back in May. Whilst Thiem, of course, possesses an all-round game on the court, he is is arguably already one of the most mentally strong players on tour, which has been demonstrated in his impressive tie-break record over the years.
Alexander Zverev
At first glance, it would be easy to dismiss Zverev as all serve and nothing more. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, the German does indeed have a wicked serve, especially his second, which has been clocked at over 130 mph. However, the talented 21 year old possesses an excellent two handed backhand, with a handy cross court forehand for anyone thinking about challenging him at the net. Zverev is fourth favourite in the Wimbledon tennis odds at 10/1 to land his first grand slam title at The All England Club and it may just be that once he lands his maiden title, Zverev will kick on and become the player most Tennis aficionados know he can become.
Alex De Minaur
Fresh from his victory in Nottingham over Britain's Dan Evans, De Minaur already looks a tidy player and has put in a string of impressive performances over the last year or so. After impressively defeating Milos Raonic in Brisbane in Sydney, the 19-year-old went all the way to to the semi-finals, and went one better in the very next tournament in Sydney before succumbing to Russia's Daniil Medvedev. The passionate Australian has recently received a Wimbledon wildcard along with compatriot Lleyton Hewitt and it will be interesting to see how the young gun does in what will undoubtedly be the biggest challenge of his career so far.
Dominic Thiem
At 24 years old and 7th in the world rankings, you could argue that Thiem is already an established player, especially after reaching the final the French Open earlier this month. However, Thiem has shown time and time again that he is well capable of winning multiple slams, not least when he ended Rafael Nadal's clay court winning streak in Madrid back in May. Whilst Thiem, of course, possesses an all-round game on the court, he is is arguably already one of the most mentally strong players on tour, which has been demonstrated in his impressive tie-break record over the years.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
