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
From first round to final, Stuttgart was Montanes’ most impressive week. But we won’t remember wins over Jurgen Melzer, Juan Carlos Ferrero or Gael Monfils—I certainly didn’t, until I looked at the record books. Beating Roger Federer is different. That’s what Montanes did in the Estoril semis, which he followed up with a win over hometown favorite Frederico Gil.
Worst of 2010
The clay-court specialist did well at most of the big dirt events, but in Rome he lost in the first round to obscure Italian Paolo Lorenzi.
Year in Review
All of Montanes’ career titles (five) and runner-ups (four) were earned on clay, but his 2010 results suggest he’s developing into a greater threat on all courts. He reached the third round of all four Slams and gave Robin Soderling a good match in the fourth round of the U.S. Open. He also reached two hard-court semifinals, one indoors and one outside. But the lack of a point-ending shot and strong serve will always make life difficult for Montanes away from clay. He was one of five Spaniards to finish in the Top 25, and reached a career-high ranking of No. 22 in August.
See for Yourself
To the sure dismay of the Estoril brass, Montanes recovered in the second-set tiebreaker to upset Federer in straights:
*
The Last Word
*When Montanes felled Federer, he didn’t react as if he won a Grand Slam title. It was a surprising sight, but maybe the right one: Montanes must have known Federer wasn’t at his best. Montanes also knows his game well—and its limitations—and he’s gotten the most out of it. We won’t see him in the Top 10, but in the final of a big clay tournament? That’s certainly possible, on the right day. Win that match, and the celebration will come.
—Ed McGrogan