The Future of Tennis

[Marc]

Agassi and Sampras won't last forever. The next generation of players will have to take over eventually. I think your choice should be based on a number of factors, including potential, skills, etc. Please vote in the poll and discuss.

[NickHammy]

Andy Roddick...he's 18 years old, and he's already high in the rankings. He going to improve even more as he gains experience against the top players in the world and I think he will eventually win some big tournaments and become numero uno.

[Marc]

Anyone have something to add? Don't be shy. :)

[Clay]

It's a tough call. Andy Roddick had an amazing year by all standards, but he's been having trouble of late--falling this week to Sjeng Schalken and last week to Federer. It's still too early to say he'll be an Agassi or a Sampras, because he could become a David Wheaton and disappear into oblivion.

Hewitt looks like he should be around for a while--he could even finish the year as the top ranked player in the world. As his speed deteriorates, though, so will his career (like Chang's did when he lost a step). Tommy Haas is looking strong again as is Federer. They should be around next year. Still, it's tough to say who will dominate and who will falter. Look at the recent young guns who haven't been heard from much lately--Nicolas Kiefer, Magnus Norman, Nicolas Lapentti, Mark Phillippoussis (to name a few). Others reach their peak (even number 1) young, then struggle. Carlos Moya and Marcelo Rios both did this.

American tennis is looking promising again. Tons of young players are battling it out in the Challengers (the minor leagues of tennis). These include James Blake (played Davis Cup with Roddick this year), Robby Ginepri (also on the Davis Cup team), Mardy Fish (Roddick's ex-roomie), Mike and Bob Bryan (4 doubles wins this year), and Taylor Dent (fastest serve on tour this year), and tons more. Somwhere in there, there has to be an heir to the Agassi-Sampras throne. Early signs point to Hewitt-Roddick, both in playing style and early success, but tons of other young players are fighting to make their mark.

The ATP is doing a great job with their "New Balls Please" Campaign. Check it out to see the other young players making their mark on the tour.