Tops and Flops of Indian Wells 2019
TOPS
Dominic Thiem, 10. He won his first ATP Masters title on hard court, laughing in the face of everyone who believed he wasn't ready to win a great event. On clay, he will be at the top. Shiny and new!
Roger Federer, 9. Logic saw him as the natural favorite, in the final. Without Djokovic and Nadal, a new goal was coming. He lost unexpectedly, as it has often happened to him. Human!
Rafael Nadal, 8. A new physical problem denied him (and denied us too) the semi-final with Federer. He will skip even the Miami Open. See you on clay courts!
Milos Raonic, 8. Back to playing great tennis, on a surface which suits him very well. Missing, as almost always, the last jump, but in 2019, on fast surfaces, he will have his chances!
Gael Monfils, 7. The quarter-finals were another great result of a season that is going very well. Finally Matured?
Bianca Andreescu, 10. The first millennial to win such an important title, after three excellent months. If she follows up on this result, she could follow in the footsteps of Naomi Osaka. She has everything to win such important new titles. A star is born!
Angelique Kerber, 9. At one point in the final, she seemed like she would win her 13th title. Like Federer, she lost the final as a favourite, but she is still there, ready to fight for the most important titles. Wall!
Belinda Bencic, 8. She's back! The real Belinda Bencic, far from the top for too many years, has finally taken up her destiny. In the coming months, she will be able to get goals and break back into the top-10. Protagonist!
Elina Svitolina, 8. Another semi-final, another good result. What was lacking, however, was the best performance to allow her to get to the last step of such an important event. It will come. Miss Monfils!
Venus Williams and Grabine Muguruza, 7. They definitely did not start among the favorites but, with strength, dedication and grit, they reached the quarter-finals. Doing more was impossible. Welcome back!
FLOPS
Novak Djokovic, 5. With the Chris Kermode issue being played out in the background, the Serb was surprisingly eliminated by Philipp Kohlschreiber in the third round. Between Miami and Monte Carlo, he can claim back his status. Nervous!
Alexander Zverev, 4. The German derby against Jan-Lennard Struff saw him leave the scene, defeated and dejected with even illness playing its part. He is not going through a positive moment. He could regain confidence on clay courts, but for now he is only the shadow of the champion admired at the ATP Finals. Shadow!
Nick Kyrgios, 4. The victory at Acapulco seemed to be a prelude to a great event in Indian Wells. However, he performed: below expectations!
Stefanos Tsitsipas, 4. Too much pressure. Defeated by Auger-Aliassime in a real confrontation between two Next Gen. Disappointment!
Simona Halep, 5. The fourth round and the defeat against Vondrusova were not enough for a tennis player who, in 2019, is not able to come up with the results. Tired?
Naomi Osaka, 5. Belinda Bencic was an obstacle that could not be overcome in the fourth round, for the 2018 champion. She is still the world no. 1 and in Miami, she will have a new opportunity to do well!
Serena Williams, 5. The third round against Muguruza lasted only one set, then the withdrawal. She is not in great physical shape and it has been seen in California. She will be competitive again, perhaps in Miami. In stand-by!
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2Fpg6PM
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