8. Djokovic’s historic year

We expected him to be great, but he surpassed even the biggest Djokovic fan’s wildest expectations. He did not just win, he dominated. Save for Stan playing the best match of his life in Paris, he was pretty much untouchable all year. What would be even more amazing is if he follows it up in 2016 after the physical and emotional drain this year must have put on him.

 

7. Young stars failure to build on early success

Gulbis, Nishikori, Dimitrov, Cilic and Kygrios all came into the year with high expectations. None of them even approached their potential. Hopefully 2016 brings them better fortune, but this was one of the more unfortunate surprises in tennis this year.

 

6. Eugenie Bouchard not becoming the next Sharapova

After her monster year in 2014, her stock was rising, and fast. After reaching the quarters down under, it all went downhill, culminating in an off-court injury and lawsuit at the US Open. She’s still young, though. Look for a resurgence in 2016.

 

5. Stan the Man

He won the French Open and established himself as a member of the new “Big Four.” We didn’t see that coming.

 

4. Nadal being healthy, and doing mostly nothing

Perhaps even more surprising than Stan winning the French, was Nadal regaining his health, and not contending in any Slams. Hopefully he finds his form next year.

 

3. Pennetta winning the US Open

If you picked her to win, good on ya mate.

 

2. Great Britain Davis Cup Champs

Even with Murray, they were a longggg shot.

 

1. Serena loses in US Open semis to… who?

Roberta Vinci’s upset of Serena will go down in the history books as one of the greatest upsets of all time.

 

 

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