Looking ahead to 2014
Tennis

Looking ahead to 2014

Published 1036 GMT (1836 HKT) December 23, 2013
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Roger Federer is looking forward to next year after ending 2013 in good form indoors. His back is also co-operating. "The fun has definitely returned," he said recently. GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images
Federer wants to win "about" five tournaments in 2014 and play in more "great" finals. "My ranking is less important to me, unless it's about being number one," the world No. 6 said. "But it would be good to be in the top four or top eight, to get good seedings." CARMEN JASPERSEN/AFP/Getty Images
The Swiss, by his standards, slumped in 2013. A visibly annoyed Federer suffered his worst defeat at Wimbledon, when he was ousted in the second round by then world No. 116 Sergiy Stakhovsky. An eighth title at the All England Club would have to wait. CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images
Elsewhere in 2014, Rafael Nadal will attempt to win a ninth French Open. Nadal beat his fellow Spaniard, David Ferrer, in this year's finale at Roland Garros. Julian Finney/Getty Images
Can anyone stop Nadal at the French? It will be difficult but the leading contender is likely Novak Djokovic, left. Djokovic led Nadal by a break in the fifth set of this year's semifinals before he touched the net -- and lost the point -- serving at 4-3. He made his case to chair umpire Pascal Maria, though the point stood. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Djokovic has brought in Boris Becker as the head of his coaching team. Becker, who won six grand slams during his career, will start work with the World No.2 ahead of January's Australian Open. Ian Walton/Getty Images
Serena Williams was the most dominant women's player in 2013, compiling a 78-4 record and bagging two majors. Like Federer, she is 32 and owns 17 grand slam singles titles. Her path to more potential majors appears easier than Federer's ... Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Maria Sharapova faces questions about her form and fitness after missing the last 2 1/2 months of the 2013 season with a shoulder injury. She underwent surgery to the same shoulder in 2008. Sharapova also has a new coach. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Questions also surround Andy Murray. After having back problems throughout his career, the Scot underwent back surgery in September and hopes the issue is now resolved. Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Only one man other than Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray has won a major since the spring of 2005 -- Juan Martin del Potro. With his huge serve, Milos Raonic, pictured, has been talked about as a future grand slam winner but he has yet to advance to a slam quarterfinal. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
The women have seen new grand slam champions for four seasons in a row. Could Simona Halep break through in 2014? The Romanian was named the WTA's most improved player after capturing six titles and rising to No. 11. TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP/Getty Images