The Baseline Top 5: Golden Swing superstars

The stretch of clay-court tournaments in Latin America in the early part of the year known as the “Golden Swing” gives ATP players an early chance to get their feet dirty.

Here’s a look at five of them who’ve thrived over the past few years—sliding and striking their way to titles.

1

Nicolas Almagro

No player has thrived in February quite like the former world No. 9. Of his 13 career singles titles, six have come during this time.

2

David Ferrer

The veteran Spaniard has had tremendous success this decade, making at least one final every year from 2010 to 2015, and winning multiple titles.

3

Dominic Thiem

The Austrian has proven he’s one of the strongest clay courters on tour, and though he failed to defend his Rio Open title this week, he just captured the Argentina Open for the second time in three years.

4

Victor Estrella Burgos

Before his early-round loss this year, the Ecuador Open was the domain of the Dominican, who won the title three years running.

5

Rafael Nadal

While his post-Australian Open playing time has been limited over the years, the greatest clay-court player of all time has made his forays during this stretch count, winning four titles during the Golden Swing, including a win in Acapulco when it was held on clay in 2013.

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