Zverev’s improved ranking
Our spotlight player, Alexander Zverev (GER), is climbing up the ranks, slowly but surely. This week he will be at his highest rank to date at 84. Zverev will get a chance to showcase his talent this week at the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart. How far will he go in this tournament?
Nadal’s declining rank
The last time Rafael Nadal (ESP) was ranked in double digits was the week of April 18th, 2005. At that time he was ranked 11. If we needed further evidence that Nadal is struggling to find his form, this week’s ranking at 10 confirms that his lack of confidence is beginning to have detrimental effects. If he continues to slide, it will affect his seeding in the next major. Since he has struggled in recent years at Wimbledon, he will not receive any favors in the adjustment of his seeded position in the draw and that will create further stress for Nadal as he continues to try to find his form.
Haas returns to action after surgery
Tommy Haas (GER) returns to action this week at the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart. He will be anxious to see how he holds up physically and mentally after the long layoff due to his recovery from shoulder surgery. Although Haas is no stranger to surgery, he has recovered from several in his career, he is now 37 years. He last played on the ATP Tour in May 2014.
Safarova breaks into the top 10
Lucie Safarova (CZE) is a member of the top 10 for the first time in her career. Safarova turned pro in 2002 and despite her talent, her ranking never reflected her ability. Safarova’s improved performance of late has increased her confidence and the result, her run to the final at Roland Garros. Her reward for reaching the final of a major for the first time in her career, a ranking of 7. As Safarova sees a rise in her ranking, Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) is not as fortunate. Her recent spell of poor results has affected her ranking. This week she is out of the top ten and is currently ranked 11. How long she lingers there will depend on her results in the coming weeks. Can Bouchard turn her game around this season, or do we wait until next season for improvement?
