David Goffin
Over the past season – and in 2017, Belgian ace David Goffin, who lingered for a significant time on the cusp of the top 10, became the first Belgian man to have achieved that feat. He has since dropped back to 11th after a solid performance from Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – who won the Marseille Open, ascending 4 ranks to knock Goffin out.
But the talented Belgian, who has often been described as knocking on the door of the top 10, has a rounded, balanced and consistent game that has kept him as close to the top 10 for as long as he has been.
Statistically speaking, Goffin has been stronger on his first serves than most, but that apart, the Belgian, like some of the best in the sport, plays a strategic game. On the shorter end of the spectrum for a tennis player at (only!) 5’11’, Goffin strategizes by being quicker on his feet – aided by his slim, lean build, and taking the ball early to make up for the lack of a huge serve, which many of his competitors have.
That strategic play is crucial for those who are not in the ‘epic-serving’ pantheon – aka most players out there, and is an extremely important skill to possess.
Goffin is also known for being calm and collected under pressure, something former World No. 1s Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have become known for. The rarely-stressed Belgian ace steadies himself on an even keel but is known for his humour, something that will be important should he take charge of an upcoming player.
Able to effectively balance his fitness, Goffin could help a new player with exactly those skills. Temperament has let some of the best players down in the past despite their immense skill, and it is something the Belgian could effectively teach.
At only 26, Goffin may be a bit young yet to consider coaching, but even 10 years down the line (should he have retired by then), he would be an extremely effective one.
