For me the biggest story of 2014 was Roger Federer's superb return to top form. Although he missed out on his biggest objective—namely winning another Grand Slam—the Swiss achieved a series of astonishing accolades, the most important being bringing Switzerland its first Davis Cup trophy. We can even say the season belonged to Switzerland with its top two players finishing inside the top 4. While Roger is an established presence at the top of the rankings, it was Stan who stole the spotlight with his maiden Grand Slam success in Australia. However, nothing compared to Marin Cilic's shocking triumph at the US Open.
2014 was a year when the young guns really rose to the occasion. Nishikori made the final at Flushing Meadows, Gulbis reached the semis at Roland Garros, while Raonic and Dimitrov achieved the same feat at Wimbledon. The foursome also broke into the top 10 for the first time, anticipating an imminent change of guards.
While some got to shine bright, others weren't that fortunate. Juan Martin del Potro and veteran Tommy Haas where sidelined for most of the season, while Rafael Nadal struggled with serious injuries after his Roland Garros victory.
Exciting new Aussie prospect, Nick Kyrgios, made headlines at Wimbledon where he stunned Nadal to reach the quarterfinals. Hard-working Russian, Nikolay Davydenko, a former regular top 10er hung up the racket after failing to regain top form.
All in all, it was an exhillarating 2014, which opens the door to a more sensational 2015. Tennis Moods looks back at all these incredible stories and rewards these amazing champions. Congrats to all the 2014 ATP Moods Awards winners!
The 'World's Greatest' Award (for the best player of the year)
Winner: Roger Federer
Runner-up: Novak Djokovic
The 'He Found Love' Award (for the most improved player of the year)
Winner: Kei Nishikori
Runner-up: Milos Raonic
The 'Homecoming' Award (for the most spectacular comeback)
Winner: David Goffin
Runner-up: Andy Murray
The 'He Works Hard for the Money' Award (for the most hard-working player)
Winner: Andy Murray
Runner-up: David Ferrer
The 'Here I Am' Award (for the newcomer of the year)
Winner: Grigor Dimitrov
Runner-up: Roberto Bautista Agut
The 'We Are Young' Award (for the most promising youngster on the tour)
Winner: Nick Kyrgios
Runner-up: Borna Coric
The 'Talk That Talk' Award (for the wittiest player on the tour)
Winner: Bob & Mike Bryan
Runner-up: Novak Djokovic
The 'Broken Hearted Boy' Award (for the most disappointing player of the year)
Winner: Juan Martin del Potro
Runner-up: Tommy Haas
Winner: Roger Federer
Runner-up: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
The 'I Will Always Love You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)
Winner: Nikolay Davidenko
Runner-up: Olivier Rochus
The 'When We Collide' Award (for the most spectacular doubles team)
Winner: Bob & Mike Bryan
Runner-up: Vasek Pospisil & Jack Sock
The 'Fashion of His Love' Award (for the best dressed player throughout the year)
Winner: Grigor Dimitrov
Runner-up: Roger Federer
Winner: Stan Wawrinka winning Australian Open
Runner-up: Roger Federer losing the Wimbledon final
The 'Clash of Titans' Award (for the most exhilarating duel of the year)
The 'I Dreamed a Dream' Award (for the accomplishment of a dream)
Winner: Marin Cilic winning US Open
Runner-up: Stan Wawrinka winning Australian Open
Winner: Roger Federer & Novak Djokovic
Runner-up: Roger Federer & Stan Wawrinka
SEE ALSO: The 2011 ATP Moods Awards, The 2012 ATP Moods Awards, and The 2012 ATP Moods Awards
photos: GETTY IMAGES
photos: GETTY IMAGES
