Tennis Chatter

First off, welcome to Tennis Chatter. I’m Jake, I’ll be your blogger for the next few minutes as you scan over my thoughts on tennis. Today’s focus will be on the Men’s side of the court. For some of you this might be redundant, but a new writer means a level playing field. So let’s look at the Top Ten.

10. Tommy Haas-The Good German’s still at it. Won in Memphis earlier this year. Let’s see if his luck on Grass improves this summer.

9. James Blake- One of the two American’s consistently vying for a top spot, Blake grabbed attention last summer with a solid victory at the RCA Championship in Indianapolis. Has also successfully crossed-over the headband look from Basketball.

8. Ivan Ljubicic- Look to see this righty command more attention this summer.

7. Novak Djokovic- This up and coming Serbian won in Adelaide and Miami this year. At only 19, Djokovic has only more time on his hands to improve.

6. Tommy Robredo- Just like Blake is the OTHER American tennis star, Robredo is the OTHER Spaniard in the Top Ten. With a win at the Swedish Open last yeat, look for Robredo to make some noise in this summer’s tournaments.

5. Fernando Gonzalez- Since winning in Orlando in 2000, Chilean Gonalez has earned titles all over the world. Let’s see if a run in the majors could bump his rank.

4. Nikolay Davydenko- Adelaide, Munich, Moscow twice. Don’t be surprised if this Russian right hander is chomping at Roddick’s heels by summer’s end.

3. Andy Roddick- For American tennis fans this ball cap wearing ace is it. After Roddick’s hamstring heals look for him to start gunning for Nadal and maybe even the Swiss himself.

2. Rafael Nadal- The second fiddle. Sure he’s taken down Number One a few times, but he’s tired of smiling in the shadow of Federer. He’s almost expected to win on clay, but grass still eludes him. This could be his year. I perdict El Izquierdo de Espana (the spanish lefty…sorta) will have his Strawberries and Cream this summer on the green grass of Wimbledon.

1. Roger Federer- The Swiss Bomber. 4 time defending Wimbledon champ. One the Australian open… again. What can you say about the Master. Winning majors is what he does. Nadal is good. Federer is great. He’s quickly approaching Sampras’ championship tally. He even has his own stamp. For Tennis fans watching him play is LITERALLY witnessing history in the making.

Tomorrow we’ll chat about the women’s game. Will Sharapova and Henin duke it out all summer or will one of those pesky Williams Sister’s find a way back on top? We’ll see together.