One has become so used to the Federer Nadal rivalry that it appears as if there are no other rivalries in tennis. 2010 is over and 2011 is on the anvil. One can see that during the last two-three years, Murray has figured in a number of tussles with the two superstars and has annihilated either / both of them. He is one player apart from Nadal who has winning record against Federer, though in non - Grand Slam events. He is also the one having big successes against Nadal in Grand Slams. In his matches against the big two, the outcome is not easy to predict. He has discovered their weaknesses like no other player has done. It is only on the biggest stage that he is unable to find the ways and means to master both of them in the same Grand Slam. That credit has gone the way of Del Potro. Andy Murray is likely to provide the biggest rivalry to Rafael Nadal in future, as and when the Nadal - Federer rivalry wears thin.
Del Potro has tasted success. It is to be seen how his wrist holds up on his come back. He does not fear either Nadal or Federer, but it might take about a year for him to reestablish himself on the tour.
Djokovic and Andy Murray have not played so many matches against each other so as to ignite fans’ imagination. This was partly due to the fact that almost all the Grand Slams have had the presence of either Nadal or Federer. But their rivalry is in the nascent stage. They would become top notch players in a year or two and one would see them battling out at the bigger stages in 2012 or so.
Another player coming out of the shadows of self destruction is Gael Monfils. 2011 promises to see him maturing unlike Tsonga. He has the credentials, but not the patience. The next year might see the showman out of him and he coming out with more maturity in important matches. His style of play is similar to Nadal and Murray and on his day, he will pose bigger problems for the superstars.
Soderling appears on his way down. He has done sufficient in 2009 and 2010, and failure to win the French Open has sapped his determination. Berdych also does not have in him, since he does not possess a big weapon that fires consistently.
However, Rafa - Roger show will go on in 2011 keeping fans hooked to their glorious rivalry.
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