Starting on December 7—the 25th day left in 2010—TENNIS.com will countdown from the year-end No. 25 on both tours with "The Last Word," a look back at the year that was and a look ahead at the season to come. Here's who we've looked at so far.
Best of 2010
The Austrian’s win in Vienna is a close second, but Melzer’s unexpected run to the Roland Garros semis was his finest achievement. In the quarterfinals, he came back from two sets down to defeat Novak Djokovic.
Worst of 2010
There were few low points in Melzer’s career year, but if we must be nitpicky, let’s select his first-round exit at the Australian Open to Florent Serra.
Year in Review
The 29-year-old had never cracked the Top 20 until this season, which he nearly finished inside the Top 10. Melzer seemed to go for his shots more, both with the forehand and backhand. It paid off, especially at Roland Garros, where it took Rafael Nadal to douse his flame. Melzer ran into Roger Federer in the fourth round of Wimbledon and the U.S. Open—tough luck. But Melzer’s toughness and newfound belief in his game made the veteran the breakout men’s player of 2010.
See for Yourself
Alongside Philipp Petzschner, Melzer won the doubles title at Wimbledon—the only Slam where doubles matches are contested in a best-of-five-set format. Here’s championship point:
The Last Word
If you’re somehow in a fantasy tennis keeper league, trade Melzer now—I don’t expect him to match his 2010 results next year. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't commend his season, which was both unforeseen and enjoyable. When it all comes together—and it finally did, these past few months—Melzer's game is a fun one to watch.
—Ed McGrogan