Who will breakthrough in 2009?

By George Kingsley 

I imagine few expected Juan Martin Del Potro to make such a quick step last year, winning 4 titles in four consecutive events and another in Auckland last week. He is now showing the sort of consistency that elevated Djokovic and Murray up into the top 4. But who next?

Gael Monfils. The self-named 'Rat' (because he will run around all day apparently) has finally begun to put his game together and show some of the talent that took him to the top of the junior rankings. He is great to watch too, combining solid defence with flat and accurate groundstrokes he can outwit his opponents in a number of different ways. Backed up by a fantastic serve and a seemingly positive turn in his unfortunate run of injuries he is starting to look like the complete package. Ironically he has tweaked his 'Rat' counterpunching style to bring in more aggressive tactics into his game. He looks to be reaping the benefits, especially after he beat Nadal so impressively in Doha. Watch out for this lanky Frenchman, he is dangerous!

Jeremy Chardy. The good looking Frenchman made his name beating fat Dave Nalbandian at Roland Garros last year. Since then he has moved steadilly up the rankings beating plenty of established top 50 players along the way. His is armed with a superb forehand, a strong serve, and a very polished all round game. Don't be surprised to see him in the top 20 or better by the end of the year.

Marin Cilic. I suppose he has already started to make the breakthrough but I fancy Cilic to break the top ten this year and possibly clinch a Masters event if he plays consistently. He is nowhere near the finished article and if he continues to improve at this pace then he will be knocking on the door in the not too distant future.

(Kit has his own picks though. I believe he is completely in love with Kei Nishikori)