[Filo V.]

Charly Berlocq became an affectionate figure in 2012, even getting his own nickname "Warlock", on this forum. Currently ranked #56 in the live rankings, here are some notables on the season he had.

Started season ranked #60. Currently ranked #56.

2012 Highlights:
First ATP Final in Viña Del Mar.

ATP QF's in São Paulo, Buenos Aires and Acapulco during Golden Swing; ATP QF's in Umag and Houston.

15-9 start through Houston.

4 Master 1000 wins.

7 hardcourt wins.

Got to career high ranking #37 in March.

Win over Istomin on hardcourt; two wins over Simon in back to back weeks during Golden Swing; win over Roddick in Dusseldorf.

2012 Lowlights:
10-23 record after Houston.

Poor overall records in 1000/500 events.

1-4 GS record.

Three other top 50 wins outside of Simon victories on Gilles' worst surface (Istomin, Matosevic, Paire).

What grade do you give Charly on the season he just completed?

[Filo V.]

I expect Charly to get many A's. Personally, I'd give him somewhere between a B and C. If one truly looks at his results, they are not impressive. He beat guys in slumps (Istomin, Matosevic, Roddick), he did very well against players out of the top 70/80. But once he went against a quality player in form, he almost always lost the match. His ranking is actually healthier than it should be given he's been lucked out with draws for most of the season.

But, given Charly's limited talent, he has done very well to finish top 60 without challenger points aiding him. The question is if he can defend his points during the Winter/Spring because if he doesn't, he won't be top 100 anymore.

[Chase Visa]

Finishing Top 60 without Challenger results is impressive, ditto making a final for what TSD could describe as a "Challenger mug" but he did little post-Golden Swing. B- maybe?