Roger Federer recently defeated Andy Murray for the Dubai Championship title, his fifth. Federer, who is 30, I think really showed that he’s still got it and still a force to be reckoned with. Federer, Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are known as the big four in the ATP and I am always looking forward to who will challenge them, apart from each other. A lot of people wrote Federer off considering the strength of Djokovic, Nadal, and Murray and Federer recently turned 30. The oldest of the other three is Nadal, who is only 25.

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray. Photo via NBC Sports.

And it wasn’t too much of a struggle either, he won 7-5, 6-4. I think after Djokovic’s monster year, the other three are ready to give a challenge to him. This time last year, no one knew how much Djokovic would dominate. But Nadal took him to 5 long sets, six whopping hours and Murray defeated him in the semi-finals. Federer then beat Murray. I don’t think it’s going to be another monster year for him but I do think it’s going to be a great tennis season for men.

The Americans are finally stepping up, John Isner has a big game and will most likely crack the top ten this year and Mardy Fish is a strong contendor and the lone American ranked in the top ten. Andy Roddick is hopefully getting back to being healthy (still don’t like him, but I still want to see him end his career on his own terms as he is nearing 30 and more injury prone).

Women’s tennis on the other hand is still kind of a mess. I’m hoping that Serena Williams makes a huge comeback and really gives the top girls a run for their money. Victoria Azarenka is currently ranked number one but she recently pulled out of a tournament because of an injury and the other big name is Caroline Wozniacki. Don’t ask me why, but I cannot stand her. Maybe it’s because she was ranked for #1 for so long and never won a major and hits about 3 winners per match.

I can’t wait for Indian Wells coming up in a few days followed by Miami. All the big names will be there, including Nadal who did not play in Dubai. Can’t wait!