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Predicting what the ATP Top 5 will look like in five years

By Brandon Daniels

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: Dominic Thiem of Austria and Alexander Zverev of Germany change ends during their Men's Singles Semifinal match on day twelve of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 31, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: Dominic Thiem of Austria and Alexander Zverev of Germany change ends during their Men's Singles Semifinal match on day twelve of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 31, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images) /
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1. Dominic Thiem

Age: 26

Current Rank: 3

I’ve talked countless times about Thiem and his future on tour. He’s easily the best upcoming player in the ATP and could potentially be the #1 player in the world in a year or two. He’s been consistent for multiple years in a row and has already won 16 titles in only 5 years, including 8 in 2018 and 2019.

Where Thiem sets himself apart from his rivals is in major championship success. While not emerging a Grand Slam champion, he’s made three finals appearances (2018/2019 Roland Garros, 2020 Australian Open). He held a 2 set to 1 advantage in Australia before Djokovic was able to overcome the defecit and win in five sets. In 2019, he showed that he’s one of the best players in the world with his 6-2 match record against the Big 3.

Thiem is well on his way to winning a major championship. If the 2020 season resumes, it’s possible he could win one there. It’s almost certain that he’ll be a multiple-time champion on tennis’ biggest stages; he’s already proven that his skills outweigh his young rivals and are even on par with the legendary trio at the top of the ATP.

Next. The growing divide amongst players in the tennis relief fund. dark

Already in the top three, Thiem is, without a doubt, the future of the ATP. Given that he’s already surpassed 1 of the Big 3 (Federer) in the rankings and has emerged as the others’ top rival, it’s almost a fact that he’ll be at the top of tennis very soon.

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