For those who love tennis, the 2021 season is sure to be one of the most exciting in history. After a year of pandemic-related delays and disruptions, the world’s best players are once again taking to the court, eager to showcase their skills and compete for glory. With so much talent on display, it can be tough to know which players to keep an eye on. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 tennis players to watch this season.
1. Novak Djokovic
Djokovic is currently ranked world No. 1 in men’s singles tennis by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). He has won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, the third most in history for a male player. Djokovic has won at least one Grand Slam singles title in each of the last nine years, and he shows no signs of slowing down. With his incredible consistency and ability to perform under pressure, Djokovic is sure to be a force to be reckoned with this season.
2. Rafael Nadal
Nadal is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and for good reason. He has won a staggering 20 Grand Slam singles titles, tying him with Roger Federer for the most all-time among male players. Nadal is known for his powerful left-handed strokes and his ability to dominate on clay courts. If he can stay healthy and maintain his form, Nadal will be a major challenger for the top spot this season.
3. Serena Williams
Williams is one of the most successful female tennis players of all time, with 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her name. Despite being 39 years old, she remains a formidable competitor on the court. Her powerful serve and aggressive play style make her a force to be reckoned with, and her experience and mental toughness could be the key to her success this season.
4. Naomi Osaka
Osaka burst onto the scene in 2018 when she won the US Open, becoming the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title. Since then, she has won three more Grand Slam titles and has established herself as one of the top players in the world. Osaka’s powerful serve and ability to hit winners from anywhere on the court make her a dangerous opponent for anyone.
5. Daniil Medvedev
Medvedev has quickly become one of the top players in men’s tennis, thanks to his powerful groundstrokes and aggressive play style. He reached the finals of the US Open in 2019, and he followed that up with a win at the ATP Finals later that year. Medvedev has a chance to break through and win his first Grand Slam title this season, and he will be a player to watch as the year progresses.
6. Ashleigh Barty
Barty is the current world No. 1 in women’s singles tennis, and she has the game to back up that ranking. She won the French Open in 2019 and has been a consistent performer at Grand Slam tournaments ever since. Barty has a versatile game that allows her to adapt to different opponents and playing styles, which makes her a tough player to beat.
7. Stefanos Tsitsipas
Tsitsipas is one of the most exciting young players in tennis, with a game that combines power, speed, and finesse. He reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2019 and the French Open in 2020, and he has established himself as a player to watch this season. Tsitsipas has the potential to win his first Grand Slam title this year, and his matches are always entertaining to watch.
8. Bianca Andreescu
Andreescu burst onto the scene in 2019 when she won the US Open, becoming the first Canadian player to win a Grand Slam singles title. She has since struggled with injuries, but when healthy, she is a force to be reckoned with. Andreescu has a powerful game that allows her to hit winners from all parts of the court, and she could be a dark horse contender for the top spot this season.
9. Dominic Thiem
Thiem is one of the top players in men’s tennis, with a game that is tailor-made for clay courts. He reached the finals of the French Open in both 2018 and 2019, and he won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2020. Thiem has a versatile game that allows him to play well on all surfaces, and he could challenge Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer for the top spot this season.
10. Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka is a rising star in women’s tennis, with a game that is built around power and aggression. She won three WTA titles in 2020 and reached the semifinals of the US Open, and she is poised to make an even bigger impact this season. Sabalenka’s fearless play style could give her an edge against more experienced opponents, and she will be a player to watch as the season progresses.
In conclusion, there are plenty of incredible tennis players to keep an eye on this season, but these 10 are sure to provide some of the most exciting matches and moments on the court. With their skills, experience, and determination, they are all capable of achieving greatness this season and beyond.