First Time Winners: Kyrgios, Schwartzman, Johnson

Nick Kyrgios – Marseille [Kyrgios Spotlight]

Nick Kyrgios soared up the Emirates ATP Rankings in 2016, cracking the Top 15 for the first time in his career behind a trio of hard court titles. The Australian’s maiden title came in February in Marseille, with his flawless week including wins over Top 10 players Richard Gasquet and Tomas Berdych before defeating Marin Cilic 6-2, 7-6(3) in the final. Kyrgios did not drop serve all tournament, becoming the first first-time winner to do so in a tour-level event in the Open Era. He is also the first player under the age of 21 to beat Top 10 opponents in consecutive matches since Juan Martin del Potro at the 2009 US Open (SF d. Nadal, F d. Federer).

“I played my first final last year and was looking for my first title,” said Kyrgios. “But I didn’t really expect to win this title this week after having a couple of weeks off. But from the first round I started playing really well and just gained confidence as I kept winning matches.” 

Kyrgios followed up his breakthrough week with another title in August in Atlanta, then prevailed again in October in Tokyo. The Aussie also recorded a semi-final finish at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Miami. He would go on to score more four victories over Top 10 players throughout the year, including Stan Wawrinka, Milos Raonic and Gael Monfils.

Diego Schwartzman – Istanbul [Schwartzman Spotlight]

The feisty Argentine showed off his fighting spirit throughout the week in Istanbul, upsetting top seed Bernard Tomic in the second round and saving a match point in his quarter-final against Damir Dzumhur. But Schwartzman saved his biggest effort for the championship match against Grigor Dimitrov. Rallying from down a set and a break, he broke the Bulgarian’s spirit by winning 11 of the last 12 games to score a 6-7(5), 7-6(4), 6-0 victory.

“Ever since I started playing, I imagined winning a tournament and having a week like the one I just had,” said Schwartzman. I’ve been working very hard and perhaps the first months of the season were not the best, but I kept working hard alongside my team and my family. It’s amazing and I will never forget this place.”

Schwartzman went on to reach another ATP World Tour final in October in Antwerp (l. Gasquet), in addition to a quarter-final finish in September in Chengdu. The Argentine also excelled on the ATP Challenger Tour, prevailing at $50,000 events in Barranquilla, Colombia and Montevideo, Uruguay. He currently sits at a career-high Emirates ATP Ranking of No. 52.

Steve Johnson – Nottingham [Johnson Spotlight]

The American baseliner arrived in Nottingham with a 8-15 record in 2016, but quickly erased any doubts about his form by producing stellar tennis throughout the week. Knocking off four seeded opponents, including top seed Kevin Anderson in the quarter-finals, Johnson ultimately fought through a tight 7-6(5), 7-5 battle against Pablo Cuevas in the championship match to earn his first ATP World Tour title.

“It feels really good, I’m not going to lie,” said Johnson. “I had some ups and downs so far this year. To find my groove on the grass is fantastic. I had a good week at Queen’s Club and felt pretty comfortable on the grass. Once I got here and played my first couple of matches, I knew I was definitely a contender to win this.”

Johnson rode the momentum of his win in Nottingham by reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, marking his best appearance at a Grand Slam. He advanced to the semi-finals in July in Washington, D.C., then upset World No. 10 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga the following month on the way to a quarter-final finish at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati. Johnson was rewarded for his efforts with a career-high Emirates ATP Ranking of No. 21 in August.