The 2014 ATP Moods Awards

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

The 'King of Hearts' Award (for the Tennis Moods' favourite)

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

The 'Imagine' Award (for the most emotional story of the year)

Winner: Stan Wawrinka winning Australian Open

Runner-up: Roger Federer losing the Wimbledon final

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

The 'Clash of Titans' Award (for the most exhilarating duel of the year)

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

Federer Adds Another Jewel to His Crown

In a season in which he mounted a stunning comeback to top form, all-time great Roger Federer added another jewel to his crown, when he led his nation to its first Davis Cup trophy.

Although he did not win a major, Federer enjoyed a superb 2014. In addition to the epic Wimbledon final—which he lost in 5 sets to Djokovic—the Swiss claimed 2 Masters 1000 titles (i.e. Cincinnati and Shanghai) and made the final at the Season's Ending Championships—where he controversially forfeited a few minutes before the final against Djokovic. Many have believed the decision was meant to maximize his chances of playing against France in the Davis Cup final. Bothered by a severe back injury since the start of the week, Federer withdrew from a tournament for just the third time in his career. Despite the seriousness of the issue, Roger's camp was adamant he will be fit for the big battle. 

To be fit is one thing, while to be able to bring home the trophy is a completely different story. As a matter of fact, it was the Australian Open champion who delivered the goods for his country by beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to compensate for Federer's surprise loss to Gael Monfils. "Stan has put in so much effort over the years. He played an unbelievable weekend and that is what gave me the opportunity today," said Federer.

Although there have been discussions of a row between the two Swiss greats, the duo put a stop to the rumours by teaming up to put Switzerland in front following a victory in the double. Rejuvenated by the result, Federer crushed Richard Gasquet to conquer Switzerland's first Davis Cup crown.

"For me personally, obviously I'm unbelievably happy because I've been playing in this competition for probably almost 15 years now. At the end of the day I wanted it more for the guys. This one is for the boys," said a teary Federer after closing out a 6-4 6-2 6-2 victory over Gasquet. "This is not for me, I have won enough. I am just happy we can give everyone in our country a historic moment."

For Federer, the triumph marks the completion of a golden career. Having won all four Grand Slam and the Olympic gold, he has now strengthen his credentials as the world's greatest player of all time. "It was definitely one of the better feelings in my career, no doubt about it," he said. "So much nicer to celebrate it all together. 

"So thanks for running up to me and screaming in my ear. It was good fun."

I want to see Federer lift at least another Slam next year, while also making an emphatic return to world No.1. Let's do this, champ! #Federermagic

Federer and Wawrinka dismissed rumors of a feud when they teamed up to dismiss Julien Benneteau and Richard Gasquet and put Switzerland in front.

The doubles victory put Federer in an excellent position to bring home Switzerland's first Davis Cup trophy. The all time great dismissed Richard Gasquet to complete the job and make history for his country.

Michael Lammer, Marco Chiudinelli, Stan Wawrinka, Roger Federer, and captain Severin Luthi (from left to right) made history for Switzerland by claiming the country's first Davis Cup trophy.

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Wawrinka Wins All-Swiss Encounter in Monte Carlo

At the beginning of the clay-court season, all eyes were on the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry. The Spaniard, the all-time greatest player on this surface, looked poised to continue his dominance, while the Serb hoped to peg back his nemesis and claim the elusive Roland Garros crown. But, surprise, surprise! The Swiss duo of Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka turned the tables on their rivals, setting up an all-Swiss final in Monte Carlo, Nadal's favourite playground.

Last year, Djokovic denied Rafa a ninth consecutive title and—after the Spaniard's shock exit in the quarterfinals—seemed set for a successful defense. But the two Swiss had another plans. Wawrinka, the reigning Aussie Open champion, bruised aside Ferrer—Nadal's conqueror—to be the first to advance into the final. Federer quickly followed, digging himself out of some early trouble to defeat an ailing Djokovic 7-5,6-2. 

The all-Swiss affair started with Federer in control, the all-time great winning the first set 6-4. Stan has been untouchable in a few matches this year and was able to replicate that form at the start of the second act, giving Roger no chance to break. With both players holding serve, the set was decided in a tiebreak, where a mini-break was all it took for Wawrinka to level the dispute. Back on equal terms, he was not to be denied. Firing winners on both sides, Stan was able to stun Federer, winning 4-6,7-6,6-2 to claim his maiden Masters 1000 crown—following runner-up showings at Rome 2008 (lost to Djokovic) and Madrid 2013 (lost to Nadal).

"It's always special to play Roger," said Wawrinka. "We know it's always a strange match, especially being in the final here. He's my best friend on the tour. We respect each other so much. I'm just trying on the court to win the match. Before and after, we are still very good friends. During the match, we just try everything to win. Today I'm really happy to take that one.

"I can see that when mentally I'm there and I'm fighting, I can play tennis, I can beat all the player. I did an amazing job. I'm really happy after winning my first Grand Slam to win a Masters 1000 so quick. I didn't expect to. When I came here, for me it was more like a test. I knew I was playing good tennis, but I didn't expect to win because the draw was so strong."
Stan's season keeps getting better. With three titles already to his name, he is now leading the race to London. Federer failed in his fourth attempt to grab the Monte Carlo title, one of the three Masters 1000 trophies eluding him. The Swiss is now 1-3 in finals this season, winning in Dubai, but losing in Brisbane and Indian Wells.

This was the first time that the two best friends have met in an ATP final and I hope it marks just the beginning of a really beautiful rivalry at the highest level. Stan is in the form of his life, while Federer is just rediscovering his winning touch. Chances are we could be in for a first all-Swiss Grand Slam final this season. #Letsdoit! #AllSwiss #BFF

#BFF FOREVER! Wawrinka and Federer and not only compatriots, they are also best friends. Roger has been paramount to Stan's recent success, supporting his friend and always believing in his talent. The two train together and are long-term doubles partners.

Although he started slower, Stan Wawrinka got his act together to stun BFF Federer to win his first Masters 1000 crown. It was an extremely entertaining encounter, which Stan won 4-6,7-6,6-2.

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Stan's One Moment in Time

What a transformation a year makes! In 2013 in Melbourne, the ever-talented Stan Wawrinka pushed two-time defending champion and world No.1 Novak Djokovic to the limits in an epic encounter that finished 10-8 in the fifth for the Serb. The loss broke Stan's heart, but as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. That's exactly what happened to the Swiss, who found inspiration in the defeat to produce a breakthrough season. He reached his second Masters 1000 final, in Madrid, the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, the semifinals at Flushing Meadows, as well as the semifinals at the ATP Masters Cup in London. 

Funny enough, that loss to Djokovic also increased Stan's self-belief. He emerged tougher both physically and most important, mentally after last year's Australian Open. Although throughout the upcoming months he would frequently lose battles with the elite, Wawrinka slowly gained confidence and began to unleash his game.

Stan started 2014 with a title in Chennai, one of his favourite ATP stops. Continuing the solid form Down Under, the Swiss barely broke a sweat in his first two matches, seeing off injured Kazakh Andrey Golubev and Columbian Alejandro Falla. He didn't even take the court for this third round encounter, as his opponent, Canadian Vasek Popsipil, withdrew injured. Fresh and eager to advance deep into the tournament, the Swiss overcame a stiff resilience from Spaniard Tommy Robredo to set up a mouth-watering clash with now three-time defending champion, Novak Djokovic.

This time around, the Swiss made things right. He hanged in there when Djokovic leveled at two-sets apiece and broke his opponent for the decisive break at 8-7 in the decider to emerge victorious. This was a well-deserved revenge for Wawrinka who finally beat Novak in a Slam. Playing in his second Grand Slam semifinal, he then dominated Czech Tomas Berdych to win 6-3,6-7,7-6,7-6. 

In the final against Nadal, Stan was the underdog. Not only there's a considerable difference in ranking (Nadal is the current world No.1), but he lost all twelve meetings with Rafa. Throwing caution to the wind the Swiss played his finest tennis for a set and a half. Midway through the second act, Nadal injured his back and required medical intervention. Although he lost that set too, the ferocious Spaniard came back strong in the third reducing the deficit. Wawrinka remained mentally strong. He served to perfection, and although he gifted away what looked like a decisive break, he continued to push Nadal breaking again to seal victory with a huge forehand down the line. “I still think that I'm dreaming,” said the stunned Swiss. “It's a strange feeling. I saw so many finals. I always try to watch the final of Grand Slam because that's where the best player is playing. Before today, for me, wasn't a dream. I never expected to play a final. 

“It’s quite crazy what's happening right now. I never expected to win a Grand Slam. I never dreamed about that because, for me, I was not good enough to beat those guys.” Wawrinka becomes the first player since Sergi Bruguera in 1993 who defeats both world No.1 and No.2 to win a major. 

The victory takes him to a career-high No.3 when the rankings will be released on Monday. He will also become the new Swiss No.1, finally stepping out of the shadow of good friend and compatriot, the all-time great, Roger Federer. “To win a Slam, to be No. 3, both is a big surprise. I saw Roger winning so many Grand Slams in the past, so now it's my turn to win one. If you look the 10 past years, except del Potro, it's only the top four guys who have won all the Grand Slams,” said a thrilled Wawrinka. 

I honestly hope this huge triumph for Stanislas will open the door to all the talented players who cannot quite cope mentally with the likes of Nadal or Djokovic. Congrats, Stan! #youcandoit #letsbeatNadal #letsbeatDjokovic

Wawrinka announced himself as a contestant for the title following a magnificent victory over three-time defending champion Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals. The triumph marked a much-deserved revenge following the heart-breaking loss to the Serb last year.

The Swiss booked his place in his maiden Grand Slam final by beating Czech Tomas Berdych 6-3,6-7,7-6,7-6 in the semis.

Facing an injured Rafael Nadal for the title, Stan remained mentally strong. He played aggressive tennis to overcome the Spaniard 6-3,6-2,3-6,6-3.

Here it is: Stan Wawrinka crowned himself a Grand Slam champion, becoming the second Swiss to achieve the feat after his good friend, Roger Federer. Stan will also get to a career-high No.3 on Monday.

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The 2013 ATP Moods Awards

2013 has been a great year for tennis. It was highlighted by Nadal's magnificent comeback to the top of the rankings, Djokovic's flawless end to the season, the rejuvenation of tennis hopefuls Stanislas Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet, as well as the coming of age of young guns Bernard Tomic and Grigor Dimitrov. For me though, the biggest story of them all was Andy Murray winning Wimbledon to end the 77-year wait for the hungry home nation. In one of the most bizarre tournaments ever, the crowd carried Andy to the title, helping him fulfill his prophecy. 

2013 also marked a big disappointed as we've witnessed Roger Federer drift further away from the top. His series of surprising losses made headlines throughout the year, raising questions about his future. However, the Swiss has been adamant in declaring he will continue playing for many more years, proving determined to change fortunes in 2014. The world needs the almighty Federer back!

Exhilarating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga produced another disappointment as he let an enormous chance slip by. Facing hard-working David Ferrer for a place in the Roland Garros final, Jo played a terrible match to gift away the victory. The loss also marked the end of his season as he injured his knee at Wimbledon and was sidelined till October. Hope he comes back stronger next season!

On the bright side, Tommy Haas confirmed his good form, making an emphatic return to the top 10. At 35, the German is as dangerous as ever as he continues to break new grounds and push his opponents to their limits. Spaniard Tommy Robredo also put together a sensational comeback season, reaching the quarterfinals at both the French and the US Open. Although he is not fully recovered, Gael Monfils is showing steady progress in making his way back to where he was a few seasons ago. 

The young guns have also showed their great potential. Milos Raonic cracked the top 10, while outspoken Pole Jerzy Janowicz reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon.

Bob and Mike Bryan clearly dominated the doubles tour, winning most of the big tournaments. A near miss at Flushing Meadows prevented them from completing a calendar Grand Slam, but they did hold all four majors plus the Olympic gold at the same time (a.k.a. the Golden Bryan Slam) strengthening their credentials as the best doubles team in history.

Tennis Moods looks back at a rich 2013, recognizing the stand-out players of the year. Congrats to all the 2013 ATP Moods Awards winners!

The 'World's Greatest' Award (for the best player of the year)

Winner: Rafael Nadal

Runner-up: Andy Murray

The 'He Found Love' Award (for the most improved player of the year)

Winner: Stanislas Wawrinka

Runner-up: Richard Gasquet

The 'Homecoming' Award (for the most spectacular comeback)

Winner: Tommy Robredo

Runner-up: Gael Monfils

The 'He Works Hard for the Money' Award (for the most hard-working player)

Winner: David Ferrer

Runner-up: Rafael Nadal

The 'Here I Am' Award (for the newcomer of the year)

Winner: Jerzy Janowicz

Runner-up: Vasek Pospisil

The 'We Are Young' Award (for the most promising youngster on the tour)

Winner: Grigor Dimitrov

Runner-up: Bernard Tomic

The 'Talk That Talk' Award (for the wittiest player on the tour)

Winner: Novak Djokovic

Runner-up: Mike & Bob Bryan

The 'Broken Hearted Boy' Award (for the most disappointing player of the year)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Brian Baker

The 'King of Hearts' Award (for the Tennis Moods' favourite)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Tommy Haas

The 'I Will Always Love You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)

Winner: David Nalbandian

Runner-up: James Blake

The 'When We Collide' Award (for the most spectacular doubles team)

Winner: Bob Bryan & Mike Bryan

Runner-up: Michael Llodra & Nicholas Mahut

The 'Fashion of His Love' Award (for the best dressed player throughout the year)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

The 'Imagine' Award (for the most emotional story of the year)

Winner: Andy Murray winning Wimbledon

Runner-up: Rafael Nadal winning US Open

The 'I Dreamed a Dream' Award (for the accomplishment of a dream)

Winner: Andy Murray winning Wimbledon

Runner-up: David Ferrer reaching the French Open final

The 'Hero' Award (for the braveheart performance of the year)

Winner: Juan Martin del Potro at Wimbledon

Runner-up: Stanislas Wawrinka at the Australian Open

The 'Clash of Titans' Award (for the most exhilarating duel of the year)

Winner: Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal

Runner-up: Roger Federer & Juan Martin del Potro

SEE ALSO: The 2011 ATP Moods Awards and The 2012 ATP Moods Awards

photos: GETTY IMAGES

Red-Hot Stan Proves He Is The MAN

Although he lost the semifinal clash with Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka proved at this year's Flushing Meadows that he has reached a new, brighter stage in his career. The Swiss, who in the past always lacked the mental toughness to pull the trigger and win the big matches, defeated a slew of worthy opponents to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal.

Wawrinka was all fired up since the beginning of the tournament, and although he did not benefit from an easy draw, he showed his enormous talent, as well as him much improved mental strength, to achieve this incredible result. Following two straight-sets victories over Radek Stepanek, respectively Ivo Karlovic, the Swiss held his nerve to close out a hard-fought 6-3,6-2,6-7,7-6 triumph over former Australian Open finalist, Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis. The win gave him wings, and he went on to dismiss last year's semifinalist, Czech Tomas Berdych, 3-6,6-1,7-6,6-2 to book his place in his first New York quarterfinal. Having fallen two previous times in the last eight of a major, Wawrinka was determined to change his fortune. Facing an out-of-sorts Andy Murray, he put forth a stunning display to shock the defending champion 6-4,6-3,6-2. 

In the semifinal against Djokovic, Stan started aggressively, building a two-sets-to-one lead. He could have even close it out in three sets, but the Serb is a fighter and he refused to conceal the match. He fought hard, and eventually took full advantage of his tired opponent to run away with an epic 2-6,7-6,3-6,6-3,6-4 triumph. Despite the loss, Stan remained upbeat about his deep US Open run. "The only thing that I can see, that's everything I'm doing outside the match, on the practice courts, on my life in general, is the good things and I'm on the right way. I just need to continue to practise hard and to try to get more victories like I did these two weeks."

"It was a great tournament for me," he added. "Tough match, tough loss. I gave everything. I fought until the end. With this crowd, it was an amazing experience."

So far 2013 is proving to be the best year of Stan's career. He started the season by pushing eventual champion, Novak Djokovic, 12-10 in the decider in Melbourne, he then won his fourth ATP title in Oeiras, reached his second Masters 1000 final in Madrid, and made the quarterfinals at the French Open for the first time. On top of that, he has re-established his presence inside the top 10 and has now made his maiden Grand Slam semifinal. "After the match in the Australian Open a lot of people were thinking it's going to be tough for me to lose that kind of match, but in the end I took all the positives from the match and I'm here now playing the semi-final. Today I lost again, but I'm back in the Top 10 and I'm playing my best tennis. I need to do the same."

If he can continue playing at this level, Stan has a chance of making the transition from a dangerous opponent to one of the leading figures in men's tennis. 

Stan held his nerve to beat fan-favourite, Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, 6-3,6-2,6-7,7-6 in the third round.

The Swiss continued his great run, ousting last year semifinalist, Czech Tomas Berdych, 3-6,6-1,7-6,6-2 to book his place in the quarterfinals, his third quarterfinal at a major.

The most impressive victory came in the last eight, where Wawrinka stunned defending champion, Andy Murray, 6-4,6-3,6-2 to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal.

Stan came close to beating world No.1, Novak Djokovic, but he ran out of steam in the end, falling to the Serb in another epic battled. 

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