Karen in a Russia KHACHANOV TO ROCKET UP THE RANKINGS
WATCH THE BOY WONDERS
W N O IMB LED Daily Star Sunday Reached the French Open Final. Thiem, 23, has a blistering serve, beautiful backhand, deft touch and an attitude that makes him a contender. Tough opener against Vasek Pospisil, 27, awaits. Lanky Zverev, 20, has the game to trouble the best. Seeded 10 this year, he recently lost to Roger Federer in the Halle final. Bernard Tomic, 24, could prove an awkward first-round test. Tennis’ wild boy, 22, is growing up. Tipped as a future world No.1, he may show why this year. Seeded 20, he can blow anyone off court. First up is France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert, 26.
The Russian ace, 21, is the new kid on the men’s block – with the ability, power and athleticism to hit the top 10 inside next 24 months. It is fair to say that three-time Wimbledon winner McEnroe loves to make wild, controversial declarations about the world of tennis. He did so last week when, at the launch of a new book, he suggested Serena Williams – legend of the game and winner of 23 singles Grand Slam titles – would not be among the top 700 on the ATP Tour.
But if deliberately sparking a tennis gender debate was to help the sales of his latest literary offering, his verdict on 6ft 6ins Khachanov having the brightest of futures ahead of him was nothing of the sort.
After watching him lose to British ace Andy Murray at the French Open last month, the Amercian (right) was completely in awe of the extraordinary talents on show.
McEnroe, 58, said: “It is going to be interesting to follow this guy’s career over the next couple of years.
“I’d be amazed if he is not in the top 10 inside two years – shocked. Maybe even less than two, really.
“I’m telling you with all the right kind of coaching and the right type of attitude, all the ingredients are there.”
McEnroe’s prediction is already showing signs of coming true.
The boy from Moscow was ranked just inside the top 50 when he faced Murray in Paris.
Now, only three weeks later, he is at a career-high 34 and will be seeded 30 at Wimbledon.
His first test of the fortnight comes from compatriot Andrey Kuznetsov, 26. If he passes that then the big-serving Croatian Ivo Karlovic, 38, could be lurking in round two. But in addition to a booming serve of his own and the groundstrokes required to defeat the elite, McEnroe’s praise stemmed from the youngster’s devastating pace around the court. Indeed, the outspoken New Yorker, who bagged seven Grand Slam titles during his career, has never seen anyone as tall move at such lightning speed. “I have watched Raonic at 6ft 5ins, Del Potro and Cilic all move great,” added the TV pundit. “But I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone 6ft 6ins move as well. “He may move better than all of those other guys. “Itwill be truly frightening for everyone if we start getting guys this big moving like this.” If Khachanov is one to avoid at the All England Club, it is unlikely he will get his hands on the trophy this time around. But we will not be saying that in the future. If the Russians are on the rise in the men’s game, the same appears to be true in women’s tennis. One of the rising stars is Russia’s Anastasia Potapova, 16, girls’ singles champion last year and now a Wimbledon qualifier. She was one of four teenagers at Roehampton on Friday to qualify for the main SW19 draw, beating fellow Russian Elizaveta Kulichkova 6-3 7-5. “I have no words. It’s just something that’s a whole other level,” said Potapova. “I can’t keep my emotions inside me – I’m just too happy right now.”