Alexander Zverev played a super match against Roger Federer at the Hopman Cup and beat the Swiss maestro in three tie-break sets 7-6 6-7 7-6. Both players looked really sharp in a match that pretty much had everything. I think this week already shows us that the young guns are ready to make big things happen in 2017 with 20-year-olds Jared Donaldson pushing Kei Nishikori to three sets and Daniil Medvedev beating Thiago Monteiro. Also, 22-year-old Aussie Jordan Thompson upset David Ferrer in a tight three-set match.
For Federer fans, Roger’s performance was positive in that he moved really well and was toe-to-toe with the 19-year-old. With some more fresh tennis in his bones, I’m sure Federer will be ready for the Australian Open. The question is only how far he can take his game there. Does he have enough left in the tank to have a chance for the title? Please comment.
There are so many young players to watch out for right now on the tour. Kyrgios, Pouille and Zverev might be the ones who are the furthest up in the rankings. But lots will happens in 2017 and will be very interesting to watch players such as Coric, Donaldson, Medvedev, Tsitsipas and Tiafoe to name a few!
Who are your top picks of the young guns? I think Zverev has the biggest potential of them all and he really showed that today.