Who might topple Nadal in 2018? Publisher Roger Parker suggest a few names that could push the Spaniard all the way. Cilic, Xverev, Djokovic – here’s a few to consider.
RAFAEL NADAL
(Spain)
Age: 31 Ranking: 1
Plays: left-handed
Career prize money: $US98,001,598
Career titles: 78
Grand slam titles: 16
(Australian Open 2009; French Open 2005-08,2010-14, 2017; Wimbledon 2008, 2010; US Open 2010, 2013, 2017)
French Open win-loss record: 79-2
Best French Open results: champion 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010,2001, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017
The King of Clay. A firm favourite for another crown, his 11th title in Paris if he succeeds, so still the one to watch.
ALEXANDER ZVEREV
(Germany)
Age: 21 Ranking: 3
Plays: right-handed
Career prize money: $US10,373,552
Career titles: 8
Grand slam titles: 0
French Open win-loss record: 2-2
Best French Open result: third round 2016
The strong German has three Masters titles and is tipped for big things in Grand Slam tennis. yet to go beyond a quarter-final.
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MARIN CILIC
(Croatia)
Age: 29 Ranking:
Plays: right-handed
Career prize money: $US23,115,432
Career titles: 17
Grand slam titles: 1 (US Open 2014)
French Open win-loss record: 20-11
Best French Open result: quarter-finalist 2017
Big-hitting Croat who is a threat to everyone and keen to improve on that one Grand Slam crown in NY in 2014
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JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO
Argentina)
Age: 29 Ranking: 6
Plays: right-handed
Career prize money: $US21,256,944
Career titles: 22
Grand slam titles: 1 (US Open 2009)
French Open win-loss record: 14-7
Best French Open result: semi-finalist 2009
Ranked highest for a decade but injury prone.
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DOMINIC THIEM
(Austria)
Age: 24
Ranking: 8
Plays: right-handed
Career prize money: $US10,987,854
Career titles: 9
Grand slam titles: 0
French Open win-loss record: 12-4
Best French Open results: semi-finalist 2016, 2017
The Austrian has to be a contender after beating Nadal in Madrid. A real threat.
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BEST OUTSIDERS
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
(Serbia)
Age: 31 Ranking: 22
Plays: right-handed
Career prize money: $US110,474,762
Career titles: 68
Grand slam titles: 12 (Australian Open 2008, 2011-2013, 2015-16;
French Open 2016; Wimbledon 2011, 2014, 2015; US Open 2011, 2015)
French Open win-loss record: 59-12
Best French Open result: winner 2016
The Serbian superstar has drifted off the pace but is keen to show he still has it in him to win a major.
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DAVID GOFFIN
(Belgium)
Age: 27 Ranking: 9
Plays: right-handed
Career prize money: $US9,866,262
Career titles: 4
Grand slam titles: 0
French Open win-loss record: 11-6
Best French Open result: quarter-finalist 2016
The Belgian’s favourite surface, and has beaten Nadal and Federer here before.
