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Storylines to watch in 2009
by Brian Webber, Special to FOXSports.com
Can Rafa be even better in 2009?
While it will be difficult for Rafael Nadal to surpass his achievements in 2008, the 22-year-old dynamo looks ready to tighten his grip on the No. 1 ranking. The sizzling Spaniard dethroned Roger Federer as the world's top-ranked player by winning eight singles titles in 2008. Nadal won his fourth consecutive championship at Roland Garros, captured Olympic Gold in Beijing, and his epic win over Federer at Wimbledon is on the short list of the greatest matches played in the Open Era.
Nadal's physical brand of tennis exacts a toll on his body and he paid the price once more in 2008. Nadal was sidelined by knee tendonitis that forced him to miss the Masters Cup in Shanghai and Spain's victory over Argentina in the Davis Cup Final.
A healthy Nadal should be the player to beat at the Aussie Open. He reached the semifinals for the first time at Melbourne last year before running into Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who was on an incredible roll. Nadal typically raises his play as the season progresses. If he's able to add the Australian Open title to his Grand Slam résumé, Nadal could be poised to reach even great heights in 2009.
Who will be a first-time Slam winner?
Last year Novak Djokovic captured his first career Grand Slam title in Melbourne. This year Andy Murray could be the next player to join the most exclusive fraternity in tennis. The Scot reached his first Slam final at the U.S. Open, losing to Federer in the championship match in New York. Murray maintained that momentum and played well in the fall, winning titles in Madrid and St. Petersburg while reaching the semifinals of the season-ending Masters Cup.
Murray has always had the full array of skills needed to make him an elite player. Now with his improved conditioning, the world No. 4 has the total package needed to win a major championship.
Will Roger move past Pete?
Federer needs two more Grand Slam victories to break Pete Sampras' mark of 14 singles titles at the majors. Federer has created such an amazing standard of excellence that his 2008 season can be seen as less than stellar, despite trips to the French Open and Wimbledon finals and his fifth straight U.S. Open title.
Now that he's 27 years old, the former world No. 1 faces the reality that injuries may become a bigger factor in his quest for history. Federer battled a bout with mononucleosis and a bad back last year, so it's difficult to predict how healthy he will be in 2009.
But given that Federer has reached six consecutive Wimbledon finals and won five straight U.S. Open titles, it seems safe to predict that he'll prevail in either London or Flushing Meadows. Let's hedge our bet and say that Federer equals Sampras' record by winning his 14th Grand Slam title in 2009.
Which men's player could break out?
Sam Querrey seems like he's ready to take the next step professionally this year. The 21-year-old finished 2008 ranked in the top 40 and captured his first singles title at Las Vegas. Querrey should have gained confidence from his performance at the U.S. Open, in which he made it to the fourth round before losing to Nadal.
Standing tall on the court at 6'6'', the American has one of the biggest serves on tour and the power game to hang tough with the big boys. If Querrey can add more versatility to his game, he might make a bigger splash in 2009.
Get ready for '09
Will Federer break Sampras' Grand Slam record? Will Nadal get better? Who will take command in women's tennis? Get ready for the 2009 season:
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Will Davis Cup be more relevant in 2009?
While Davis Cup play has a rich tradition, the most prestigious international competition in tennis has lost luster in recent years with a confusing schedule and rosters that have lacked star power.
But 2009 offers a promising Davis Cup schedule. The International Tennis Federation has wisely pushed the first round of Davis Cup play back to March. That should give the top players a greater incentive to play to get ready for the Masters Series event in Indian Wells, California the following week.
The first round should also generate more interest because of the matchups. Roger Federer is committed to playing for Switzerland when they take on the United States in Birmingham, Alabama. There should also be a glamour matchup between Nadal's Spanish team and a Serbian squad that should be led by Djokovic. The Davis Cup format still needs a major overhaul, but 2009 should attract more casual fans to the battle for tennis' coveted cup.
Will anyone take command in women's tennis?
It seems unlikely that any single player will assert herself on the WTA Tour. Maria Sharapova was dominant to start 2008 but broke down physically as the season progressed. It's just too difficult to predict if the former world number one can stay healthy for an entire season.
Ana Ivanovic won her first major title at Roland Garros but was a non-factor for most of the second half of the season. Jelena Jankovic finished the year at number one without winning a grand slam tournament. The Serbian still has too many mental meltdowns to establish herself as the definitive player to beat on tour.
Serena Williams is dangerous in any event she chooses to play, but has been sidelined for extended periods in recent years. If the past year is any indication, it looks like we will have more parity in women's tennis in 2009.
Will Justine Henin return to tennis?
Henin's stunning retirement after losing to Dinara Safina in Berlin in May changed the dynamics of the women's game in 2008. While it seemed like another case of tennis burnout at the time, Henin may be the rare star who actually stays away from the sport which made her famous. She seems content with her retirement after achieving so many outstanding accomplishments. In a recent posting on her website, the Belgian shared this message with her fans: "It's important to have the wisdom to stop at a time when it's the moment to move on. I have only good memories."
The returns of players like Martina Hingis and Lindsay Davenport have taught us that comebacks are a constant in tennis. But don't count on Henin to return to the court any time soon.
Which women's player could shine in 2009?
Svetlana Kuznetsova could bounce back in 2009. The Russian failed to win a singles title last year after winning just one championship in 2007. However, Kuznetsova has an all-court game that allowed her to win the 2004 U.S. Open and reach the finals at Roland Garros in 2006.
Despite her inconsistency, she still won 44 matches last year and qualified for the season-ending championships in Qatar. Let's hope Kuzentsova's coaching change can help to reinvigorate one of the biggest hitters in women's tennis.
Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Brian Webber covers tennis for Tennis Channel and is a frequent contributor to FOXSports.com's coverage.
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