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TR.NET TOP 10 MEN: WEDNESDAY, FebRUARY
18
Andy bombs way to top, Gonzalez
early French contender
By Matthew Cronin
tennisreporters.net
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Susan Mullane/Camerawork USA
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| Fernando
is ferocious. |
1.
Andy Roddick: With his serve not only huge now but remarkably
consistent, Siebel Open champ A-Rod is murder indoors. But his
return game still leaves something to be desired.
2. Fernando Gonzalez:
The Chilean steps up big in winning his home country tournament
in Vina del Mar. If he can keep his head on straight and keep
his backhand consistent, he could be in for a very strong spring
clay court run.
3. Mardy Fish:
It’s scary how much this bold young American with a David
Nalbandian ponytail has improved. He’s a true all-courter
with notable weapons and plenty of attitude, but needs to get
meaner against the other young Americans.
4. Gustavo Kuerten:
Is this what we should expect from the once great Guga, some nice
wins until the final and then a lack of magic? Let’s hope
not, but his surgically repaired hip hasn’t responded like
he hoped for.
5. Andre Agassi:
The Commissioner with a Soul can still implode and when he does
like he did against Fish, he flushes himself down the tank. Andre
still got plenty of game, but the youngsters are catching up and
even surpassing him.
6. Anthony Dupuis:
How in the name of Chirac does this 30-year-old Frenchman knock
off F-Lo, Mikael Youzhny and Mario Ancic 7-6 in the third to win
his first ATP title in Milan? Must be something in the clothes.
7. Mario Ancic: This
19-year-old Milan finalist is looking to break out in a big way
this year, but despite his obvious talent, he’s still having
trouble closing.
8. Thomas Johansson:
After watching Tommy-Jo reach the Milan semis, Swedish Davis Cup
Captain Mats Wilander has a big decision to make when he picks
his team to face the US. If I’m Mats, I’m going with
this ’02 Aussie Open champ over Robin Soderling.
9. David Sanchez:
There are so many excellent Spanish players that Sanchez has gotten
lost in the mix. But his semifinal showing in Vina del Mar says
that he shouldn’t be overlooked.
10. Robert Kendrick:
This vastly improved Fresno native had his best tournament ever
in reaching the San Jose semis and playing Roddick tough. If he
can keep his temper in check, he should check into the Top 70
by April.
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