Ranking the Best Budding Rivalries in Tennis Today

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: April 25, 2015

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Tennis rivalries help to define an era in the sport.

Matches between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras, and Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert represent the style of play, level of competition and even fashion of particular times.

Those iconic rivalries began as recurring matchups that grew in stature over the years. 

Roger Federer versus Rafael Nadal still tops the best rivalry among active players. Novak Djokovic versus Federer has developed into one of the best rivalries this year.  

But those rivalries are beyond budding. They have blossomed into classics and belong among the all-time great rivalries.

Which budding rivalries today have the best potential to become all-time favorites tomorrow? 

The best budding rivalries feature the following ingredients: established or rising stars, compelling storylines, elevated level of play and a revenge factor.

The best budding rivalries offer more than mere frequent matchups. Stan Wawrinka and Nadal have met many times, but Nadal holds a 12-1 edge. Even after Wawrinka beat Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final, their last meeting, few saw this as a budding rivalry. It was more like a personal triumph for Wawrinka. 

When Eugenie Bouchard plays Maria Sharapova, the match is promoted as a spokesmodel showdown. The level of play falls short of the hype. Besides, Sharapova leads that series 5-0. 

The best budding rivalries are those that promise excitement. Eyes light up when these players show up on the same side of the draw.

Criteria used to rank these budding rivalries includes competitiveness, fan interest, personalities and the players' rankings. Of course, the rivalry has to be budding, as in a recent development. The players must have met at least three times. This would eliminate Venus Williams and Madison Keys, who have split their two mee...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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