I've Been Bad.. But Here Are My Predictions for 2011

Yea, that's right. I've been bad. Really bad. I watched my first tennis match of the year just today. For me, that's like not cracking open my computer for an entire day. It just doesn't happen.

I was really glad to open my first match of 2011 with a showdown between John Isner and David Nalbandian. Big serves, awesome returns, I knew I was in for a treat.

Image from ESPN

I know...it's just a routine match between two top 30 players. But it felt like I hadn't watched tennis for years. I found myself staring in amazement at the shots that were being hit, the power of Big John's serve and the precision of Nalby's backhand. It seemed all so fast and consistent.

I had no idea what I was missing. I can't wait for the Australian Open now (not that I wasn't biting my nails in anticipation before this anyways). It's going to be insane. And since I never really made any predictions for 2011, I thought I'd compile my thoughts for what 2011 may hold for tennis. Here it goes.

BIG YEARS FOR:

Roger Federer - I think we'll see another big year from Federer. At least one Grand Slam for him and I wouldn't be surprised if it only comes in Australia like last year.
Novak Djokovic - We saw a relatively mild year for the Djoker last year, but I think we'll see him in great form this year.
Ernests Gulbis - I don't want to say 2011 will be his breakthrough year, because he's weird with breakthroughs, but I think we may see him breaking into the top 10 in the rankings.
Thomaz Belluci - Belluci had a great 2010 and really made a name for himself in the tennis world, and I only see him going up from here.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Robin Haase - He showed his stuff at Wimbledon last year against Rafael Nadal, pushing him to five sets. Watch for the hard-swinging Dutchmen to move well up the rankings this year.
Illya Marchenko - I recall his skid mark and great performances at the U.S. Open in 2010 and can't help but think there's a ton of talent there just waiting to explode. I think he overworked himself in 2010 but if he keeps a better schedule, he'll be healthy and fit all year long.
Grigor Dimitrov - We've seen him compared to Federer a number of times, but currently on the cusp of making the top 100 in the rankings, I think we'll see him breakthrough in 2011.

I know that's a very brief preview for 2011 but I'll do previews for individual tournaments as they come along. I'm really excited for tennis in 2011 and I can't wait to see what we've got in store for us!