[Kowchi]

Thread Title + Poll

 

[GasquetGulbis]

I think his peak was probably around number 6 in the world, and currently he's about 35.

 

[oranges]

Very, very good AND very mentally fragile. Glad he had a short stint in top 10

 

[philosophicalarf]

Results speak for themselves: beat Ferrer and Djokovic at Roland Garros 2010, then Nadal and Federer at masters (as well as good wins over then top-10 Del Potro, Cilic and Verdasco). Had a rash of injuries after that though, and being in his 30s was never able to return to his best level. Four 250 titles and a 500 also, not a bad haul.

To some extent that 2010/11 peak was probably unsustainable 100% form, pure confidence stuff, low margin and taking risks. There was always plenty of obvious unfulfilled potential there though: excellent returns (especially of pacy serves) to compensate for his own somewhat tame serve, and he had a nice variety of options from the baseline and the net.

 

[emotion]

Unplayable at his best. That match against Ferrer at RG was a work of art. He had one of the best returns in the world, a fantastic backhand, an inconsistent but great when on forehand, a good serve, and incredible touch.