2014 Power Ranking #5 – Monte Carlo Crowns a New Number One

1. Stanislas Wawrinka – Good to Great … sounds about right.  The 2014 points totals are competitive, but Stan has wins over Rafa, Nole and Federer along with a Slam and Masters 1000 title.  As strange as it sounds to me, Stan is my #1 at the moment.   Change since last ranking +3
2. Novak Djokovic – Nole was destroying the field in Monte Carlo until a bad wrist and an in-form Federer ended his hot streak.  For tennis’ sake, he needs to get his wrist healthy ASAP.  Change since last ranking -1
3. Rafael Nadal – After 8 years of not losing in Monte Carlo, Rafa has been frustrated each of the past 2 years.  David Ferrer is a great clay court player, but Rafa has normally handled him.  Change since last ranking -1 
4. Roger Federer – Federer has been one of the most consistent players in 2014.  He’s been to 4 tournament finals, but two 3 set runner-up finishes in Masters 1000 events mean Roger has left some big trophies on the table.  Roger’s wins over Tsonga and Djokovic have to have him feeling good, but his 1-3 record in 2014 tournament finals could be cause for concern.  Change since last ranking – 1
5. David Ferrer – David returns to my Power Ranking in a big way.  His loss to Wawrinka aside, beating Rafael Nadal on clay in Monte Carlo is a BIG deal.  Change since last ranking – not ranked
6. Tomas Berdych – Berdych is #6 based on his solid form in 2014.  I am not sure what the clay court season will bring even if he was a 2010 French Open semifinalist. Change since last ranking – 1
7. Milos Raonic – Milos played well enough on a surface that highlights his weakness (foot speed) to impress me.  Still, Ferrer’s rise means some will fall.  Change since last ranking – 1   
8. Andy Murray – He’s in a holding pattern for now.
9. Kei Nishikori – Can he stay healthy?
10. Fabio Fognini – Maybe I am over valuing his wins over Murray and Andujar, but Fognini is going to get a boost by playing on clay.  

Biggest Mover – Stanislas Warinka +3

Entered the Poll – David Ferrer and Fabio Fognini

Dropped Out of the Poll – Kevin Anderson – The change to slower surfaces makes his cooling down predictable.  Keep an eye on Anderson in the grass and hard court stretches though.  Alexandr Dolgopolov – He’s playing well and could make headway on clay.