Serbia's Novak Djokovic and the Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova put the tennis world on notice this year with their play on the courts. December 13, the International Tennis Federation put their acknowledgement to that statement by giving each an award as ITF World Champion.
Djokovic was the overwhelming favorite among the men, and there little surprise in him being given the nod. He only came up short on the clay at Roland Garros, or Djokovic would have had the Grand Slam. He won the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open, among other ATP titles. He ended the year ranked No. 1, and if healthy, will be the favorite in Melbourne when the cycle starts once more.
"Starting with victory in last year's Davis Cup final, this has been an almost perfect 12 months for me," Djokovic said. "I have always dreamed about becoming the best in the world, and to have won three Grand Slam titles and finished the year as No. 1 is very special."
First time in a long time
After seven years of the ITF naming either Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal ITF World Champion, the selection of Djokovic signals what most of us already knew, that there is a changing of the guard taking place at the very top of the men's game. Djokovic, in my opinion, will end next year at the top as well.
Kvitova racing up to challenge Wozniacki
The choice for the best female is an even stronger signal of change. Kvitova edged out world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki for the award. Kvitova no doubt had the better year, but Wozniacki is still holding the No. 1 ranking.
Kvitova won Wimbledon, took the top spot in the WTA finals in Instanbul, and did a quick turn toward the Fed Cup. She helped the Czech Republic overtake Russia in the final. Kvitova built up a big head of steam in the last part of the year especially, and will be breathing down the neck of Wozniacki for the No. 1 spot.
For her part, Wozniacki is feeling the heat. She has hired a new coach and expressed a strong commitment to winning one of the events making up the Grand Slam. She has said her focus will be shifting away from being No. 1 and toward a big win. It's kind of an academic problem for her. If she doesn't win a major, she could likely fall out of the top spot anyway.
Jeff Musall is a lifelong fan and player of tennis. He began following the professional game as a kid back in the '70s, watching the greats of that era.
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