Lob and Smash
Fansided

The ATP official tier list: the best and the next of today’s top ATP players

By Brandon Daniels

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain embraces Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the Rally for Relief Bushfire Appeal event at Rod Laver Arena on January 15, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain embraces Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the Rally for Relief Bushfire Appeal event at Rod Laver Arena on January 15, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
ACAPULCO, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 27: Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland returns a ball during the singles match between Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland and Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria as part of the ATP Mexican Open 2020 Day 4 on February 27, 2020 in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Regina Cortina/Jam Media/Getty Images)
ACAPULCO, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 27: Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland returns a ball during the singles match between Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland and Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria as part of the ATP Mexican Open 2020 Day 4 on February 27, 2020 in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Regina Cortina/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

Tier 2: Top veteran stars

It’s difficult to shine when the players above you have completely taken over the sport. These two players have been the two best and most consistent players throughout their time on the professional tour. As of right now, they’re two players that have been deep in a major tournament at least once a year and have had the success of winning them. It’s very difficult to keep players out of this tier, as many of them have had success behind the Big 3. Regardless, I’ve narrowed it down to two players, who’ve been great on tour and have had major success alongside the legends above: Stan Wawrinka, Marin Cilic, and John Isner.

Wawrinka has had more success here. He’s collected 3 major championships, including the 2016 US Open. This was around the time that the majority of fans believed the domination of the Big 3 was starting to falter, as both Wawrinka and Murray was giving them plenty of trouble. They rebounded, however, and Wawrinka hasn’t been as successful on tour, mostly due to injuries. He’s returned in good form and is back in the top 20 after being in the top 5 from 2014-2017, reaching a career-high ranking of 3rd in 2014. He’s collected 3 major championships and could sneak his way into winning another befroe his career is over.

CIlic has been the top player outside the previous five. He hasn’t had the major tournament success in his career, as he’s collected only one Grand Slam title (2014 US Open) and one Masters 1000 win (2016 Cincinnati). Regardless, he’s been a great player since entering the tour in 2005 and always gives top players a scare with his top-of-the-line serve.

Isner has been a perrenial qaurterfinalist in major championships since entering the professional ranks. A 15-time title winner, Isner has won at least one in every year since 2010, apart from 2016. He’s reached a career higih ranking of 8th in the world in 2018 and could, like Cilic, sneak through and win a major championship in the twilight of his career. His one-dimensional serve-heavy game doesn’t lend a helping hand, but given his top talent on tour among veteran players, it’s safe to say he’ll get the chance.

Next. Tier 3 - Next Gen Stars. dark

Home/ATP