Men’s 2012 Up and Comers—Part 2

Written by: Staff on 24th December 2011

Men’s 2012 Up and Comers—Part 2 |

By: Nathan M. Cuny

The second part of the two part article on the 2012 up and comers cover the top four players to keep your eye on. During the quickly approaching 2012 season several of these men will undoubtedly reach the top 20, and in the years to come possibly break the top 10. Many of these players have surprised the tennis world with their feats earning such titles as wild card or new comer of the year. Unquestionably we will see these players far surpass their 2011 successes.

In 2005 Marin Cilic began his professional tennis career. Cilic at the age of 23 is currently ranked No. 21 and reached his career high as No.9 in 2010. Cilic’s best performance so far was back in 2010 when he reached the Australian Open semifinals, won the Chennai and Zagreb ATP 250 tournaments, and reached the Munich finals. During 2011 Cilic won the St. Petersburg Open, became a singles finalist at Beijing, and Marseille while also becoming a singles and doubles finalist in Umag. With his big serve, high endurance, and effective groundstrokes Cilic is sure to regain a spot in the top 10 during 2012.

No. 25 Kei Nishikorki turned pro in 2007. The 21 year old Japanese wildcard surprised many tennis fans during his performance at the Swiss Indoors Basel where he defeated Djokovic in the semifinals and contended with tennis great Roger Federer for the title. In 2008 Nishikori won the Delray ATP 250 tournament earning him the title as newcomer of the year. Nishikori was also a finalist at the US Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston. When it comes to adaptability Nishikori is very adept reaching finals in indoor and outdoor hard courts as well as on clay. By the time Nishikori reaches the age of 24 he will surely be counted amongst the top 10.

At age 20 Milos Raonic earned the title of newcomer of the year for 2011. The Canadian is currently ranked No. 31. Raonic won the title at the SAP Open in San Jose. He made it to the singles finals in Memphis as well as the doubles finals in Halle during 2011. His big serves and enthusiasm helped him reach the fourth round of the Australian Open where he lost to David Ferrer. Milos Raonic was ranked No. 156 at the 2011 season’s beginning and reached a career high of No. 25 in February. Raonic ended 2011 125 spots higher than he began it. Surely Raonic will break the top 20 during 2012.

Last on the list is 22 year old Donald Young. The American currently holds the rank of No. 39 and turned pro in 2004 at the age of 15. Young swung his way to the finals in Bangkok where he lost to Andy Murray. At the US Open Young made it to the fourth round where he eventually lost to his foe, Andy Murray, once more. Young has shown many signs of great potential but often failed to unleash it. Young has trained with steadfastness for 2012 conditioning his mind and body to the fitness required for a top 20 spot. Well, there you have the final half of the top up and comers to keep your eye on during 2012.

Topics: Up And Comers