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 young Latvian recorded the biggest win of his career when he came back from a set down to upset Roger Federer in Rome. Two months earlier, Gulbis marched through the field at Delray Beach to win his first career title.
Worst of 2010
Gulbis was at his worst when it mattered most—at the Grand Slams. He lost three opening-round matches, all in straight sets. Juan Monaco and Julien Benneteau undid Gulbis at the Australian Open and French Open, respectively, while Jeremy Chardy knocked him out of Flushing Meadows. Gulbis pulled out of Wimbledon with a hamstring injury.
Year in Review
Gulbis started the year ranked No. 90 and responded with his most successful season. He vaulted 66 spots in the rankings and, Grand Slam performances aside, demonstrated that he can play with—and beat—some of the best players in the world. And his first career title in South Florida knocked an extremely heavy monkey off his back. The hard-hitting Gulbis also showed some much-needed versatility. An offensive-minded player who relies on his forehand, Gulbis has been pegged as someone only dangerous on fast surfaces. He debunked that myth when he outplayed Federer on clay in April.
Still, the talented Hernan Gumy product has given off signs of disinterest and dissatisfaction. He has voiced a lack of interest in practicing and at times admitted to not wanting to be on the court. It’s an attitude may directly correlate to his lack of success at the Slams.
See for Yourself
When Gulbis defeated Federer in Rome, his potential was realized—at least for a day. The 16-time Grand Slam champ won the first set handily, but Gulbis kept him on his toes for the remainder of the match and rallied to take the final two sets.
The Last Word
The light-hearted and likeable Gulbis is often compared to Marat Safin, for both his attitude and playing style. But don’t expect Gulbis to win multiple Slams or earn the No. 1 ranking—at least not right now. His lack of consistency and drive should keep him below No. 20 for the immediate future.
—Brad Kallet