Alexander Zverev leads list of top 10 future Grand Slam champions

Sport360 staff 12:11 18/02/2018
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  • Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have had a firm stranglehold over the last five Grand Slam trophies but who is next in line to win a major?

    Here, we look at ten candidates who could finally win their first slam in 2018 and beyond.

    GRIGOR DIMITROV

    2018 should finally be the year in which the Bulgarian wins his maiden major. Having triumphed at the ATP World Tour Finals last November, it seemed to be a breakthrough moment. The 26-year-old, who was nicknamed ‘Baby Fed’ in his formative years, is approaching his prime and has all the talent.

    NICK KYRGIOS

    It’s perhaps the perennial question which has been directed at the Aussie ever since his fine win over Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014. Now, with a bit more maturity on his side, off-the-court issues behind him and an improvement in behaviour on it, the 22-year-old has a shot at Grand Slam glory given the ability he possesses.

    Nick Kyrgios of Australia hits a return to Alexander Zverev of Germany during their forth round of the Davis Cup World Group tennis match at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane on February 4, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Patrick HAMILTON / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PATRICK HAMILTON/AFP/Getty Images)

    Big talent but can he deliver? Nick Kyrgios.

    ALEXANDER ZVEREV

    The German has already grown into a big star and is widely tipped to take over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s mantle. Aged just 20, he rose to World No3 at the end of 2017 but still hasn’t quite yet cut it in majors yet. He exited the Australian Open at the third-round hurdle but has the game to beat anyone.

    JACK SOCK

    The fun-loving American has cemented his berth inside the ATP World Tour’s top 10 and with momentum and luck on his side, cannot be ruled out. His win in Paris last year was a huge deal and he’s generally a plucky performer. Big forehand makes him a threat, potentially at the US Open.

    DAVID GOFFIN

    The Belgian earned victories over Nadal and Federer in London at the end of last season and he is a growing force on the circuit, with consistency from the baseline and new-found belief he can mix it with the best. Should have a run on his favoured clay at the French Open and definitely has enough to nick a major or two.

    DOMINIC THIEM

    Technically one of the best player’s around, the Austrian seems to be mastering his schedule now and not over-playing, which will be crucial if he is to go deep at the Grand Slams. Has beaten the heralded big four on more than one occasion and expect him to have a go at Roland Garros, the tournament in which he reached the semi-finals last year.

    BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - FEBRUARY 17: Dominic Thiem of Austria takes a backhand shot during a semifinal match against Gael Monfils of France as part of ATP Argentina Open at Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club on February 17, 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

    Dominic Thiem is one of the leading lights.

    KEVIN ANDERSON

    The 31-year-old is experiencing an Indian Summer in a career which is only really blossoming now. With a powerful serve and big groundstrokes, he is especially a threat on the grass of Wimbledon and has the ability to play lights out tennis on fast surfaces. Run to US Open final last year evidence he can play on best stage.

    KYLE EDMUND

    No one expected the Brit to reach the semi-finals in Melbourne last month but he was rewarded for a strong off-season in which he tweaked his serve. The 23-year-old will have plenty of home support at Wimbledon and with doubts over Andy Murray’s long-term fitness, the crowd there could carry him far at SW19.

    TOMAS BERDYCH

    He may be the oldest player in this top 10 at 32 and while the Czech has been written-off by many, his displays at the Australian Open were strong and you still get an inkling that he may have one last run in him. Has enjoyed a stellar career but failure to win a slam is big red mark against his name.

    Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych uses a towel against Switzerland's Roger Federer during their men's singles quarter-finals match on day 10 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)

    Berdych has reached one Grand Slam final previously (Wimbledon 2010).

    SAM QUERREY

    A similar case to Anderson, the big-serving powerhouse has a chance at Wimbledon to do damage on grass and seems to be improving as the years go on. A player no one likes to see in their section, the 30-year-old is cool and calm under pressure when it counts.

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