2014 was a year full of titles, rising stars, and positive surprises for American tennis. 2015 will bring more of the same, as American tennis players are looking to fulfill their expectations and reach the higher levels of the game. There is a very bright future, and the men are ready to regain their place at the top of the rankings.
This year will be a big step towards a very successful future for American tennis, as at least 8 players have a very realistic shot at finishing in the top 100, while many others will continue to rise in the rankings.
Top 10
1. Sam Querrey
2. John Isner
3. Jack Sock
4. Steve Johnson
5. Donald Young
6. Denis Kudla
7. Ryan Harrison
8. Tim Smyczek
9. Austin Krajicek
10. Bradley Klahn
Sam Querrey is coming off an overall poor 2014, however he did have that very strong finish. I expect him to carry that confidence into 2015 and bounce back to overcome Isner for the number 1 spot, while Isner will continue to play his consistent game but have difficult making long runs in major tournaments.
Sock, Johnson, Young, and Krajicek each had very successful 2014 seasons and should continue those into 2015. They'll all be playing more tour level events (minus Krajicek, who will be getting more seeds at challengers) which will help them garner more rankings points as they improve their skills and gain more experience.
Harrison, Smyczek, and Klahn are coming off of relatively disappointing years and will have big turn arounds in 2015, especially Harrison. He has very little to defend this season which will allow him to play with less stress and win more matches. Smyczek needs more consistency from week to week, doing so will allow him to get back near his career high ranking of 73.
Denis Kudla has always been full of potential, and he'll fulfill that this year. If he stays healthy, he will win a few challengers and maybe even get into some tour level events as he could approach the top 50.
Honorable Mentions
Just missing out on the cut are Tennys Sandgren, Jarmere Jenkins, Chase Buchanan, Rajeev Ram, and Wayne Odesnik; meanwhile, Bjorn Fratangelo and Jared Donaldson are a little further out.
Sandgren needs to stay healthy; Jenkins, Fratangelo, and Donaldson are making the jump to challengers which will bring tougher competition; Buchanan, Ram, and Odesnik need more consistency.
Overall, 2015 should be a very bright year for American tennis. The full preview for 2015 will be out on New Year's Day.
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