Young Guns Thread

[matty p]

This is a thread I'll try and keep updated with results and big rankings moves of male players born in 1989 or later (I made this cut-off because I see 1988 players such as Del Potro, Cilic and Gulbis as part of the Nadal-Djokovic-Murray generation rather than the new one).

Players to watch:
Milos Raonic (1990) - Ranking: 25 (Highest: 25)
Kei Nishikori (1989) - Ranking: 26 (Highest: 24)
Bernard Tomic (1992) - Ranking: 38 (Highest: 37)
Donald Young (1989) - Ranking: 42 (Highest: 39)
Ryan Harrison (1992) - Ranking: 77 (Highest: 66)
Grigor Dimitrov (1991) - Ranking: 78 (Highest: 52)
Cedrik Stebe (1990) - Ranking: 83 (Highest: 81)
Ricardas Berankis (1990) - Ranking: 132 (Highest: 73)

Other players who could rise:
Yuki Bhambri (1992)
Jack Sock (1992)
Javier Marti (1992)
Jiri Vesely (1993)

 

[matty p]

Good day for the young guns at the Aus Open.
- Tomic won an epic 5-setter over Verdasco.
- Donald Young nearly blew a 2 sets to 0 lead before winning in 5.
- Dimitrov came from 2 sets to 1 down to beat Chardy. I thought he'd beat him easier than that though.
- All 3 have winnable matches in the 2nd round.

Raonic, Nishikori, Harrison (vs Murray) and Stebe (vs Hewitt) are all up tomorrow.

 

[Amazing Bombers]

Ben Mitchell is one to look out for as well had a decent match against Isner .

 

[tasmanlvr]

Going to see Raonic on Court 19 tomorrow

He is a dead set gun.

 

[bullish23]

Going to see Raonic on Court 19 tomorrow

He is a dead set gun.

Have to agree. He is the one to watch in 2012

 

[Starlin Castro]

Yeah Raonic has been in impressive form over 2011, hopefully he can go for a bit in the Aus Open. I'm a big fan of Nishikori as well, hopefully get to see him play sometime this week.

 

[matty p]

Another good day for the young guns:
- Raonic won easily
- Nishikori also won in straight sets
- Harrison took a set off Murray
- Stebe should have at least taken Hewitt to 5 sets before choking it away

Tomorrow we see Donald Young and Dimitrov playing 2nd round matches during the day and the big Tomic vs Querrey match tomorrow night. All 3 young guns have big chances.

 

[crowsarethebest]

Bhambri is an interesting one. Plays a lot like Djokovic. I remember watching him a few times when he played juniors here a few years ago. Djokovic clone, and part of the Bollitieri Academy. He hasn't really set the world on fire with his results though, has big wraps on him though. He's still young so he might push through soon.

Nishikori and Raonic should push up even further this year. Can't see Nishikori challenging up top and for slams but could become top 10 material. Raonic definitely has the potential to be a slam winner. Has a massive game. Big big serve, definitely one of the biggest if not the biggest on tour. His 2nd serve kicks up well above most players' heads, it's ridiculous. Big forehand as well. His backhand is his weakness especially when rushed. If he has time to hit it it is ok though. He's an ok mover but the thing that worries me about him is his lack of defensive capabilities. Move him around and he's pretty average. When he's in control of the points and rallies though... he's pretty unplayable. If he can improve his defensive game he could potentially become a beast.