Wimbledon may be over, but there’s plenty of more tennis action coming your way in the 2016 edition of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.
The tournament is set to begin today—up to July 17—and all 32 players are ready to rock and roll for the right to be heralded as this year’s champion. Find out more about this event through our comprehensive preview below.
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Steve Johnson has a lot of momentum and confidence on his side right now. He marches into Newport coming off a strong campaign at Wimbledon, where the 26-year-old rising star made it all the way to the Round of 16—his best major tournament finish—before succumbing to Roger Federer, who defeated him in straight sets (6-2, 6-3, 7-5).
Prior to that event, Johnson also notched his first-ever title on the ATP Tour level at the 2016 Aegon Open, beating Pablo Cuevas in the final.
And if you’re still not convinced as for why the expectations are high on the talented American, his grass-court record this season (10-3) is another reason that should compel you to cash in on him.
Ivo Karlovic
Still feeling skeptic about Steve Johnson? Well, this veteran—Ivo Karlovic—might be the one to gain your full trust.
Karlovic, who turned 37 years old just a few months ago, has had a not-so-good 2016 campaign. He’s only won 8 of his 21 matches overall, which includes a pair of early exits at Melbourne (first round) and at Wimbledon (second round).
A sharper version of Karlovic could be expected this week at Newport, however. After all, he has established a pretty solid reputation there, finishing as the runner-up in the past two editions of the tournament. This old-timer, who currently holds the all-time record for career aces (10,885), may very well be past his prime already, but can still hit some very powerful serves from time to time.
Sleeper
Rajeev Ram
If you look at Rajeev Ram’s career, he’s clearly had a far more successful career when playing in doubles competition. But that’s not enough of a basis to lower your expectations for him at this week’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.
In fact, don’t be surprised to see Ram as the last man standing. He’s won the tournament twice already back in 2009 and just last year, wherein he bested Ivo Karlovic, 7-6(5), 5-7, 7-6(2), in the final. The 32-year-old American is definitely going to go all out in reminding everyone why he’s not the defending champion for nothing.
Long Shot
Ryan Harrison
Ryan Harrison is an intriguing bet for this tournament, regardless of his current ATP ranking (No. 152) and his failed attempt to qualify for Wimbledon 2016. He was considered as America’s next biggest star after an outstanding junior career. And back in 2012, he reached an career-high ATP ranking of No. 43 before eventually falling out of the top-100 in the succeeding year due to some inconsistently play.
Harrison will have a good chance to start making a name again for himself at Newport, where he could be in line to face higher-ranked opponents or veteran players like Steve Johnson, Ivo Karlovic, Gilles Muller, Marcos Baghdatis and many more.
Writer’s Prediction
Ivo Karlovic wins it.
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