10th Tennis Power Ranking of 2016

1. Novak Djokovic – Novak has not had the post Roland Garros victory lap he may have hoped for, but a title in Toronto and runner-up finish in New York keep him comfortably on top.
   

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2. Andy Murray – Murray followed up his strong Rio and solid Cincinnati events with an odd quarterfinal exit in New York.  While he could numerically make the number 1 ranking a race in 2016, it is pretty clear that Novak has been the top player of 2016.
   

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3. Stan Wawrinka – Stan just won his 4th and by far biggest title of 2016.  Stan’s game benefits from a 3 of 5 set format as he has more time to find his range.  His 3rd major title in as many years is a testament to his self-confidence and power game.  3 Cheers for Stan!  His 3 consecutive 4 set wins over JMDP, Nishikori, and Djokovic all came after saving a match point early in the US Open.  Change since last ranking – unranked
   

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4. Kei Nishikori – Nishikori beat Murray and showed a lot of strength in this event. His bronze medal in Rio plus another deep US Open run have Nishikori’s stock on the rise.  Change since last ranking + 2
   

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5. Gael Monfils – Gael reached his second major semifinal and took a set off of Novak Djokovic even if he was criticized harshly by John McEnroe.  Imagine if former players had crushed McEnroe for everyone of his vulgar outbursts.  All I remember were Tony Trabert and John Newcombe largely avoiding McEnroe’s behavior when he was playing.  Maybe he should extend the benefit of the doubt a bit more frequently.
   

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6. Rafael Nadal – Rafa played reasonably well in New York and pretty well in Rio.  He seems closer to top 5 form, but can he reach his old heights before his next injury is a question that still looms.  Change since last ranking + 2
   

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7. Dominic Thiem – The talented Austrian put in his best hard court performance of the summer before overplaying caught up to him.  My guess is his 2017 schedule is more truncated than his 2016 schedule has been.  Change since last ranking + 2
   

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8. Milos Raonic – The Wimbledon runner-up has a lot of questions to answer after New York, but a runner-up at Wimbledon and Queen’s Club plus a semifinal finish in Cincinnati keep him in my top 10.  Change since last ranking – 5
   

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9. Ivo Karlovic – Ivo backed up his solid season with his first ever US Open round of 16 finish.  At 37, Ivo is winning matches and events with a world class serve and a willingness to attack the net.  Change since last ranking – 2
   

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10. Juan Martin del Potro – The big man from Argentina’s unexpected silver medal run was backed up by a run to the US Open quarterfinal round and 4 set loss to the eventual champion.  Change since last ranking – not ranked
    

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Biggest Gain – Kei Nishikori, Rafael nadal, and Dominic Thiem all + 2

Biggest Drop – Milos Raonic – 5

Entered the Poll – Stan Wawrinka with a bullet and Juan Martin del Potro 

Dropped out of the Poll –  Marin Cilic cannot lose in straight sets to Jack Sock and stay in after his Wimbledon and Cincinnati showings.  Grigor Dimitrov continued to play reasonably well until getting rag dolled by Andy Murray.