Stan Wawrinka
Embed from Getty Images
Ended 2017: Just like Djokovic and Murray, did not play following Wimbledon due to injury (knee).
Starting 2018: With his knee still not fully recovered, he already pulled out of Abu Dhabi, but still intends to play the Australian Open.
Coaching Changes: After five successful seasons as his coach, Magnus Norman surprised Wawrinka by announcing his departure from Stan’s team. Wawrinka has not yet named a replacement.
Prospects: Wawrinka recently revealed to Swiss newspaper Le Matin that he considered retiring from the sport during his knee rehabilitation. He also stated he knee is not allowing him to play full points yet. Considering his knee, and considering how instrumental Magnus Norman was in turning Stan’s career around, I don’t expect big things from Wawrinka as the new season begins.
Grigor Dimitrov
Embed from Getty Images
Ended 2017: Winning the biggest title of his career at the ATP Finals, and rising to a career-high ranking of number three.
Starting 2018: He’ll look to defend his title in Brisbane.
Coaching Changes: None.
Prospects: Coming off such a career high to end 2017, a letdown in 2018 seems likely, especially with so many big names returning to competition.
Alexander Zverev
Embed from Getty Images
Ended 2017: After winning 5 titles and ascending to a career-high number three ranking, Zverev ended the year going just 4-5 in his last several tournaments.
Starting 2018: He’ll start his year at the Hopman Cup, teaming with fellow German Angelique Kerber.
Coaching Changes: None.
Prospects: Were his poor results to finish out 2017 a product of playing so much tennis earlier in the year, or the beginning of a sophomore slump? I think it’s a bit of both. I could see Zverev continuing to struggle a bit at the start of 2018, but fully expect the 20-year-old to be a significant factor as the year progresses. This will be the year he’ll begin to advance to the latter stages of the majors.
Dominic Thiem
Embed from Getty Images
Ended 2017: Having another dreadful fall season, going just 3-7.
Starting 2018: Thiem likes to pack his schedule, and he’s done just that to begin his year. He’ll play Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kooyong, and the Australian Open.
Coaching Changes: None
Prospects: Look for Thiem to round back into form during the first quarter of 2018, and to again be one of the best players on tour when play moves to the clay.
Marin Cilic
Embed from Getty Images
Ended 2017: Going 0-3 at the ATP Finals, losing all three matches in three sets.
Starting 2018: He’ll start his year in India as his warm-up to the Australian Open.
Coaching Changes: He announced the end of his partnership with Jonas Bjorkman, and is yet to announce a replacement.
Prospects: After struggling with his nerve through the second half of 2017, and without a new coach on his team, I foresee Cilic’s ranking slipping in 2018.
David Goffin
Embed from Getty Images
Ended 2017: Playing some of the best tennis of his career, but left with heartbreaking results. After defeating both Nadal and Federer at the ATP Finals, he lost to Dimitrov in the championship match. And despite winning both his singles matches at the Davis Cup Final, Belgium still went down in defeat to France.
Starting 2018: At the Hopman Cup, teaming with Elise Mertens.
Coaching Changes: None.
Prospects: I like Goffin’s chances to continue his success in 2018. He ended 2017 going 19-6, which included victories over big names and on big stages. He enters 2018 with a lot of confidence and momentum.
