With recent news piling up that world number 1 Novak Djokovic pulled out of the Rogers Cup along with fellow compatriot Roger Federer, it seems that the tennis gods are really pushing hard to see a successor to the domination that has held the sport. Many of us are waiting to see a sloid compatriot to the “Big Three” but with the likes of Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas losing early in major Slams, it might be some time coming. This year’s Rogers Cup 2019 provides just the sort of platform for the young guns to prove themselves. With the absence of big names, it might just be room enough for millennials like Félix Auger-Aliassime to prove themselves.
Time to step up for Auger-Aliassime?
This ATP Masters 1000 Canada would be a perfect stage to launch them into the mainframe of tennis. For Auger-Aliassime, a tournament in his hometown would be wonderful to jump his ranking. With all those Canadian fans backing him, he should go far in this event. Also, not to mention, him explicitly claiming this event as his favourite in the calendar year should propel him to further heights. With his all-round play and on-court energy, he should be able to overpower the greater part of his opponents. But, the absence of notable players does not give any player licence to straight away win all matches, Nadal, Zverev, Thiem all are strong favourites and can swoosh past any player on their day. So, with a good draw and a solid game plan, the Canadian teen should go far in Montreal.
Can Tsitsipas win his 1st ATP1000 in Canada?
Tsitsipas, on the other hand, is more experienced than the teen talked about earlier. He has played in the Rogers Cup and proved to be a most worthy competitor. Having been beaten only in the final by none other than Rafael Nadal, it seems that the Greek can very much go the further step to prove himself in the ATP 1000. Not to mention, Tsitsipas’ prowess of providing aggressive shots near the baseline and wearing his opponents down till he delivers the killer blow is the perfect blend to wear down some of the older compatriots he may face. As long as the Greek continues to play his fine tennis, being a blend of Federer’s demeanour with Murray’s competitiveness, he is a sure shot to go far in the tournament.
As for the eventual winner amongst these stars, who can but tell if they will power their way through or fall to an unseeded opponent unexpectedly. Maybe, we will see a familiar face at the helm once again. Whether or not, this Rogers Cup 2019 is the perfect launchpad for many of those who want to scale the heights placed by the maestros of past.
| TSITSIPAS AND AUGER-ALIASSIME |
| Embed from Getty Images |
