Who is the third best player in the world?

[Gunnar Longshanks]

Federer and then Nadal are about as clear-cut a #1 and #2 as you can get.

Who is next in line?

 

[Jono]

Probably atm Roddick, but he's so ordinary on clay that its tough for him to be a clear-cut third.

IMO it'll clearly be Djokovic come half-way through next year, but he still shows inexperience at times (as any 20 year old that isn't Nadal would) so he isn't a clear-cut third yet.

Davydenko, despite his boring style and all the other things people love to criticise him for, is a very consistent all-courter so does have a claim, but he's also a choker, which is an issue.

Could have been Haas with the form he was in, but he's been cut down with injury and I reckon it could be curtains on his career which is sad.

 

[Stenglein's a Champ!]

Just about all of the options have the ability to be the third best player in the world.

Probably Roddick because he's the most proven.

Berdych will be coming.

If Safin had any sort of temperament he could possibly be challenging Nadal.

Nalbandian is another that was around that mark for a long time, but is now starting to be enveloped by the younger generation.

And I agree with Jono, Haas really had a chance.

 

[goal sneak]

At the moment it is hard to split Roddick and Davydenko. Llyton is probably putting himself back amongst these two as well with his performances of late. Safin would definately be 3rd if he could just knuckle down.

I agree with Jono that Djokovoic is not not far off and should probably be aiming to finish the year ranked 3rd. Andy Murray was probably level with Djokovic before his wrist injury so i still consider him a big challeger. However they are not quite as good as Roddick and Davydenko yet.

I ended up voting for Davydenko purely for his consistancy but he really needs to break through in a major tournament to get proper recognition. He has a perfect opportunity tonight against Federer who despite some good form this week is not a dominant player on clay. If Davydenko can win tonight i think he has just answered the question.

 

[Back Pocket Rocket]

Novak Djokovic easily! Marat Safin if he had a brain and some work ethic!

 

[Geddy Lee]

Novak Djokovic is the third best player in the world.

In an unrelated story, Andy Roddick got beaten in doubles on grass by the Gooch (Surbiton challenger)

 

[Jono]

I ended up voting for Davydenko purely for his consistancy but he really needs to break through in a major tournament to get proper recognition. He has a perfect opportunity tonight against Federer who despite some good form this week is not a dominant player on clay. If Davydenko can win tonight i think he has just answered the question.

Too bad Davydenko chokes when it counts. He cops far too much crap IMO, and whilst I can see why people wouldn't enjoy watching him play, I think his consistency and work ethic is to be admired. But he's not mentally strong enough against the best in the world to win the points that count.

Had a chance to serve for the 2nd and 3rd sets vs Roger (not to mention 4-2 up in the first), and loses in straight sets. Awful.

 

[goal sneak]

Too bad Davydenko chokes when it counts. He cops far too much crap IMO, and whilst I can see why people wouldn't enjoy watching him play, I think his consistency and work ethic is to be admired. But he's not mentally strong enough against the best in the world to win the points that count.

Had a chance to serve for the 2nd and 3rd sets vs Roger (not to mention 4-2 up in the first), and loses in straight sets. Awful.

Great post. I really think that is the main difference between Federer/ Nadal and the rest of the players at the moment. Both Federer and Nadal seem to win the big points.

 

[Bartram_Class]

Djokovic for me.

May even be up there with Federer and Nadal in a year or two.

 

[gaelictiogar]

Clearly it's Djokovic. He probably has as much or more pure natural tennis talent as anyone and with increasing maturity should blossom.

It simply can't be Davydenko. he never WINS anything but plays lots of events reaching semis and picking up points before being kicked out by the real talents. No way is it Davydenko.

Roddick? No. No better than he was 3 years ago and everyong else is improving.

Gonzo? Wouldn't know a backhand if it slapped him. I like him but he is one dimensional.

 

[BarcaRulz]

If Safin can stay injury free and take some mild sedatives, he would be one of the best easily.

 

[kimirocks]

Djokovic at the 2008 Australian Open, by a country mile, and then some, but just needs another 2 majors experience and some more mileage from the minor tournaments (with a few wins too), and he'll be better for it. I saw him at the Adelaide International in January and he was fantastic. He will be big. But for now, although he lost to Federer (who doesn't on grass) and is in a massive form slump, Saf is still the player with the most potential to greatness after the first 2, but not for long.

 

[weagles_fan]

If Haas wasn't injured so much I think it would definitely be him.

 

[goal sneak]

What about 4 months on? Boy things can change. No-one in their right mind would still claim it is Roddick or Davydenko or Safin.

I think it would have to be between Djokovic, Murray and on the last 2 weeks Nalbandian.

 

[legitimatic]

Right now not Nalbandian because he's 1st in the world

Until the next major tournament that is, when Federer can be arsed trying again. I'd say Nadal is at the moment.

 

[Geddy Lee]

Right now not Nalbandian because he's 1st in the world

Until the next major tournament that is, when Federer can be arsed trying again. I'd say Nadal is at the moment.

There's no way in hell Fed wasn't trying in Paris, you think he wants to be beaten twice in a row by any tennis player?

 

[Smell The Glove]

Probably Djokovic, the only others there that could be are Safin (mesmerising when in form, pitiful when not) and Andy Murray (question isnt if, its when)

 

[Geddy Lee]

Probably Djokovic, the only others there that could be are Safin (mesmerising when in form, pitiful when not) and Andy Murray (question isnt if, its when)

Yep, when will he ever beat a top player again?

I like him alot, but he's completely useless against the world's best.