Tennis is one of the world’s most popular sports with millions of fans who follow it regularly. Of course, many people around the world also love to bet on tennis and this is taking hold in America now that sports betting is legal in many states. This is part of a wider change in attitudes around gambling in the US, where people can now play at online casinos in some states or play sweepstakes online for money. One thing is for sure: whether you like to simply watch tennis or also have a bet on it, it is the players who make it so exciting.
As with any sport however, many tennis fans though have begun to get a little bored with the dominance in recent years of the same big names. This is especially true in the men’s game, where Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have had a stranglehold on the top tournaments for many years. Even the women’s game, which is somewhat more open, has seen Serena Williams enjoy a sustained period of dominance in past years.
This looks likely to change in 2020 though as a fresh batch of young talent is set to break through. Many tennis fans expect these young guns to shake things up at the Grand Slams and make it all a bit more interesting. Which names should you look out for in the coming year?
Félix Auger-Aliassime
One young player who is fast making a name for himself within tennis is this Canadian powerhouse. Still only 19, Auger-Aliassime has made a big impression on those who know their tennis since turning pro in 2017. After success on the Challenger Tour in 2018, he made his mark in 2019 by reaching three ATP Tour finals and a Davis Cup final. Standing six feet four inches tall, he has the raw power and physique to succeed at the highest level. He also possesses elegant footwork for a big man, and has an efficient action to his array of ground strokes. The youngest ever male player to break into the ATP Top 20 rankings, he is one to really watch in 2020.
Stefanos Tsitsipas
It would be fair to say that Greece is not known for being a hotbed of tennis talent, but this player is the exception to the rule. Tsitsipas is a real all-court player and has great agility along with real power in his strokes. He is also noted for an aggressive approach on court, huge baseline hits and a strong service game. Still only 21, he has already beaten Federer at the Australian Open in 2019 on his way to the semi-finals to signal his talent to the world. Currently ranked at number six in the men’s world singles rankings, 2020 could be a big year for him.
Coco Gauff
While the above two rising stars may be new names to some tennis fans, Gauff will be more familiar. She made her breakthrough on the tour in 2019 and many think that her star will really shine in 2020. Gauff is the youngest player in the top 100 on the WTA and has ranked as high as 66 in the recent past. 2019 saw her clinch a shock victory over Venus Williams in the first round at Wimbledon to put her right on the world tennis map. Gauff has a powerful serve, a superb two-hand backhand and supreme athleticism to call upon when playing. This is a heady cocktail that could see her grab more headlines in 2020.
Amanda Anisimova
Still just 18, this American player is many tennis experts’ pick to storm the WTA tour in 2020. Behind Gauff, Anisimova is the second youngest player inside the WTA top 100 rankings and is currently sitting at number 24. As with Gauff, last year was a great time for her, and she confirmed her talent with a first WTA singles trophy in 2019 at Copa Colsanitas. This and a French Open semi-final appearance in the same year has set her up to do very well in 2020. She certainly has the game to succeed further with a deadly backhand, ice-cool demeanor and pinpoint shot accuracy. Expect the coming 12 months to see her stock rise even further!
2020 could be a key year in tennis
As we have already noted, tennis has enjoyed a period of stability for some time in terms of which players have taken home the major trophies. For some fans though, this has now begun to get a little boring and left them desperate for things to change. If the above young players can step up to the plate as expected, then 2020 could be the year that things change for good.