3 reasons why a new tennis hero could emerge during the 2018 claycourt season

Rafael Nadal hitting a forehand on clay — Will Rafael Nadal dominate clay again, or will there be new contenders in the fray?

#3 The emergence of the NextGen

Hyeon Chung and Alexander Zverev at the 2018 Australian Open — Hyeon Chung (L) and Alexander Zverev

This season has definitely seen the NextGen players take a step forward and challenge the top players. Hyeon Chung reached the Australian Open semis while Borna Coric reached the last four at Indian Wells. Thanasi Kokkinakis upset Roger Federer and Denis Shapovalov continues to impress. And that's not to mention Dominic Thiem who has already turned into a clay beast.

Thiem and Alexander Zverev have powerful baseline games which is one of the prerequisites for success on clay, while Coric and Chung have the consistency to rally with anyone on slow surfaces. This could well be the year that one of them breaks through and wins the French Open.

What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here