[jimbomaxf]

The men:

Above everyone else: Federer - first time I noticed him was when he pretty much singlehandedly beat the US team in Davis Cup, 2001. Loved him ever since. His elegance, his game and yeah, his looks as well as his nice demeanor off-court. Because of him I started to closely follow men's tennis.

the rest

2. Richard Gasquet
3. Nicolas Kiefer
4. Andy Roddick
5. Rafael Nadal

Just missed the list: Gulbis and Monfils. I admitt, I am kind of hung up on the players I liked when I started watching tennis. Old love never dies, I guess.

The ladies:

1. Dinara Safina
2. Jelena Jankovic
3. Elena Dementieva

And then there is a tie between Hantuchova and Petrova. Always liked them and really, really wish they stay healthy, happy and make it back to the top ten.

Just missed the list: Serena Williams & Alize Cornet

(Just missed. dearly: Justine & Kim)

[zooworms]

1. Philipp Kohlschreiber - duh!! Always enjoyed his game, but when he took the time to thank us for being there for him at IW, and gave me his wristband as a thank you, and took the time for pictures and a few minutes conversation, it was love.

2-4 The main Serbs. In no specific order Nole, Ana, Jelena. I enjoy watching them, I like what they have done for their country and for the game. I've been a fan for a number of years now, and it's been fantastic being there just a little bit before the rest of the world caught on to them.

5. David Ferrer - I admire the gritty retirevers of the game.
5a. Serena. Still think the world of her.

Also on my list - Jie Zheng, Latisha Chan, Mika Llodra, Janko Tipsarevic

[Mowselelex]

1. Roger - He jumped on this list when he started losing last year. The previous years' perfection was admirable but also predictable. Now we get to see the beauty of his game amid decent competition. Admire his wins so much more now.

2. Elena D. - have loved her since her loss at the US Open. Loved the grace and poise of her runner-up speech. Was thrilled with her gold medal. And now with a real coach and a real serve, my hopes are sky high.

3. Dinara - don't really know why. Maybe it's the little girl face in the big grown up girl body. She was on the edge for so long. I know a lot of people discount the breakthrough she had last year, but I think she's going to stay around the top for a long time.

4. Fabrice - As someone who never quite fit the mold of "how everyone else does it", I love the way he plays. I love his smile. And I love his perseverance. I'll miss him. And next year I suspect his place will be taken by Mario Ancic---cuz if I can't have Goran any more, this is the next best thing.

5. Gonzalez - Gonzo's been a fave from way back. Free swinging, free spirt. Loved his run here a few years ago, and even if he doesn't get back to that form, he's staying on my list.

And I want to mention 2 guys I root for, just becasue. Dr. Ivo and Stepanek. It must be tough to make your living in public and know there are the multitudes out there letting go with zingers about your "freakish" height and looks. They don't seem to attract many fans, so I make sure they have at least one.

[Gastonleruanich]

And I want to mention 2 guys I root for, just becasue. Dr. Ivo and Stepanek. It must be tough to make your living in public and know there are the multitudes out there letting go with zingers about your "freakish" height and looks. They don't seem to attract many fans, so I make sure they have at least one.

That's cool. For the record, I'll root for Dr. Ivo when he plays John Isner.

[DoterForeva]

And I want to mention 2 guys I root for, just becasue. Dr. Ivo and Stepanek. It must be tough to make your living in public and know there are the multitudes out there letting go with zingers about your "freakish" height and looks. They don't seem to attract many fans, so I make sure they have at least one.

That's nice. I know I'm guilty regarding Radek. Haven't really said too much about Ivo. But, not a fan. Lol!


By the way, I am loving this thread!

[BaselBimbooooo]

By the way, I am loving this thread!

Me too. It's more revealing than I thought it would be.

[Injurnerona]

1. Roger --> He's always prominent in the GOAT discussion and it's always a debate if he is better than Laver, Borg, Sampras etc. He's certainly the greatest player I've ever watched. Never has someone made my jaw drop on such a regular basis. I have a good friend that I've gone to the USO with each year. Whenever we get together for a few beers, my wife asks what we talked about. It usually the same, whatever sport is in season, our jobs, whatever our wives are displeased about with us and Federer.

2. Nadal --> It's hard to cheer for him sometimes because of the obvious conflict with pick #1. Never ever have I seen a player with such great self belief and the ability to rise. Down 2 sets, 5-0 and 40-Love, I still wouldn't bet against him. Unbelievable will.

3. Ana - This is purely a pick for non tennis reasons. She's just so damn cute.

4. Serena Williams - Grace, power, determination. I could live without the strange comments on Obama. She's amazing and is a threat no matter how much tennis she's been playing.


5. Gulbis - Since I saw him bust up Robredo at the USO a few years ago and predicted his Top 5ness, I feel I have a stake in his success. He's disappointed slightly but boy he gets unlucky on the draws.

[Gastonleruanich]

1. Elena Dementieva- Loved her ever since the French Open final meltdown

2. Sam Querrey- He looks so normal....but will smash your face off with one of those serves

3. Fernando Verdasco- Gotta love the ones who can't play nearly as well as they should

4. Melinda Czink- The most quiet comeback for a former top 60 player ever....back inside the top 90!

5. Camille Pin- For someone so little, who knew she could cause so many problems for the top players in the slams. (e.g. Kuznetsova & Sharapova)

[rostpribru]

I couldn't decide on just five, so it will be six

1. Roger Federer. No one else is even close at the moment (Martina used to be)... Roger is a gentleman on and off court. If you want to see a perfect player just find some of his 2004-2006 matches.

2. Ana Ivanovic. Still like her a lot, but she annoys me a bit lately...

3. Caroline Wozniacki. She will be my #1 if she starts winning big things regularly. I haven't been this interested in a young female player since Martina in 1996...

4. Elena Dementieva. I just find her likable despite her obvious shortcomings.

5. Andy Murray. Really like his playing style. Reminds me of younger Roger.

6. Ernests Gulbis. Have to support our own, right? But beyond that I like his go for broke style. If he ever gains more control - watch out!!!

[HawksBurnDown]

1. Lindsay Davenport
2. Maria Sharapova
3. Jelena Jankovic
4. Rafael Nadal
5. Roger Federer

The trick to all this is, I love certain players way more than others just by their play. i.e., Serena's not in my 5 unless she's crushing someone on court, then I love her more than most anyone (which is why I heartily enjoyed the '07 AO final even though Maria's on my list).

And if I'm judging according to Dry Paszeks Runguy's scale then my top 5 would be completely different. Paging Ancic, Kiefer, Safin, Dmitry and Robby...