Rising Stars of '08.

Hello everyone...it's time for my next installment of "Tiebreak's '08."

The Rising Stars of '08

Today we'll deal with people who made their mark in '08 and seem to be ready to soar into '09 with major momentum. The last blog was all about the duds and depressing players in '08, this one should be much more happy.

Since I bashed the Americans first in the duds blog, I'll praise them first here.

Sam Querrey is my first rising star. The young American came on the scene a few years ago, but for the first time looked like he belonged as a legitimate top 50(at least) pl

ayer this year. He's now number 39 in the world, and is starting to another big American's game, Todd Martin. If he keeps getting stronger and fitter, he could become someone no one wants to get on their side of the draw.

Semi-Honorable Mention: A quick note on Donald Young (since I've gotten a few comments on him.) DY, as his fans call him, ALMOST became a rising star this year. He climbed his way into the low 70's in the rankings, and

was starting to look like the player most people thought he would become. Then we all realized something...he was 0-4 this year in Grand Slams, which shoves him back to the 140 range in the ATP. Donald had a chance to salvage his year at the Open, and become a household name by giving Blake all he could handle. Sadly, this seemed to say a lot more about Blake's game then it did D

Y. Can he still be a top 50 player? Sure, why not...he does have some talent. Will he ever sniff a Slam or get in the top 5? If there was a stronger word I could use than "Never", I would use it.

Now, back to the stars. Another huge riser this year was Gilles Simon. Simon seemingly came out of nowhere to become one of the biggest names of the year. He beat Federer twice (including once at the Master's Cup) and rocketed to number 7 in the world. It will be interesting to see how Simon handles the pressure of being a contender in Australia, but one thing that seems to be his strength is his mental game...he believes he can be out there(and beat) anyone.

Juan Martin Del Potro also became a real threat this year. The big Argentine is 9 in the world, and, in my opinion, is one big Slam result away from solidifying his place in the top 5(maybe higher.) He got quicker and stronger this year, and it paid off...(think back to his bludgeoning of Roddick last summer in Los Angeles.) I'll look for him in the top 5 at the end of '09.

Semi-Rising Star: I thought I'd mention Andy Murray in this blog, even though he cracked the top 10 last year. Murray made the jump Del Potro can make...from a top 10 player to a favorite in every tournament he enters. Murray will look to win his first Slam in '09, and I don't see anything stopping him...well except Roger at Wimbledon, and Rafa on the dirt. I think he's got a great chance to open the year with a win in Australia. One thing for sure is that Wimbledon should be really fun this year with the Brits having a top 5 player in the draw again.

Moving along...Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also burst onto the scene this year (mostly because of Australia when he reached the finals.) Tsonga is kind of like the new Baghdatis on tour...a big fun guy who seems to always be happy on the court. He has gotten tremendous fan support all year and is one of those big match players that can give anyone trouble if he is hot. However, like Baghdatis, Tsonga can also lose to anyone if he is off, which will hinder his chances of ever getting to be top 5. Nevertheless...I think he'll have a nice homecoming in Australia and will continue to be a tour favorite in '09.

Last but not least...Stan Wawrinka shocked the tennis world this year with his break into the top 10 (although short lives he now stands at 13.) The other Swiss player on tour made a name for himself this year with his gorgeous one-handed backhand and toughness on court. He sort of reminds me of Nalbandian, only a bit less gritty. I hope Stan can stay among the top in '09, but I think he'll most likely drop into a spot of 17 or 18, where I think he fits nicely.

Honorable Mention: Almagro(Tough Spaniard who doesn't take well to losing.)

Soderling( huge serving Swede who hammers the ball.)

Bolelli( Charismatic Italian with big, flat strokes.)

Gulbis(could be a future top 10 player)

Troicki(tough, crafty Serbian.)

Nishikori(Japanese sensation with a big forehand.)