Predicting what 2019 changes will be in store for 100 ATP and WTA players is the challenge we gave our staff and nine former pros for this year’s season preview. What are those 100 players’ strengths and weaknesses? What are their ceilings and forecasts? What should they resolve to achieve in the new year? The answers comprise The Tennis Magazine 100.

Far away from home in Australia, these 20 Americans will be watched closely by their stateside fans.

1

Mackenzie McDonald (No. 78)

2018 Notes: At No. 186, he pushed Grigor Dimitrov to five sets at Australian Open

He had a breakout 2018, and sometimes backing it up at the tour level is difficult. I don’t see that being a problem for him, and expect another Top 100 season. — Jim Courier

New Year’s Resolution: Remain in the Top 100, rekindle Melbourne vibes

2

Frances Tiafoe (No. 39)

2018 Notes: Won his first ATP title in Delray Beach and finished runner-up in Estoril

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He’s an excellent mover and a tremendous athlete with so many tools. Winning in Delray Beach was a catalyst for his career, showing he belongs at this level. He’s only just starting his march up the ranks. — Paul Annacone

New Year’s Resolution: Be more proactive during rallies and dictate play

3

Reilly Opelka (No. 100)

2018 Notes: Won three ATP Challengers to debut inside Top 100

With his serve, he’s a future Top 25 player by default. He’s only just starting to get comfortable with his game. The next step is developing a champion’s mentality. — Paul Annacone

New Year’s Resolution: Don’t stop improving his biggest weapon

4

Taylor Townsend (No. 91)

2018 Notes: Three ITF title wins; made second round at three Slams

Her lefty game causes problems because it’s so unique. The spin varieties she creates are awkward for opponents to handle. She’s not afraid to move in. — James Blake

New Year’s Resolution: Compete in as many main draws as possible

5

Sofia Kenin (No. 52)

2018 Notes: Semifinals of Mallorca; first time reaching Top 50

It was great for her to compete in the Fed Cup final and see how comfortable she is on a big stage—she didn’t look intimidated at all. She’ll end 2019 in the Top 50. — Lindsay Davenport

New Year’s Resolution: Work on changing direction with her forehand

6

Venus Williams (No. 38)

2018 Notes: A semifinal at Indian Wells was her best result of season

Last year was a disappointment, and who knows how long she’ll play. She wants to be at Tokyo 2020, but losing in the second round is not what it’s about for Venus. — Martina Navratilova

New Year’s Resolution: Keep playing only if she still embraces the grind

7

Madison Brengle (No. 89)

2018 Notes: Won three ITF titles, including a $100K in Midland

Her backhand is terrific, but her forehand contact point needs to be more in front. She’s got great accuracy and consistency, and is such a good scrambler. — Tracy Austin

New Year’s Resolution: Use her lower body more to explode into serves

8

John Isner (No. 8)

2018 Notes: Won first ATP Masters 1000 title in career-best season

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People don’t appreciate how much hard work goes into what he’s done to stay in shape and injury free. He’s consistently been in the Top 20 for nearly a decade. — James Blake

New Year’s Resolution: Keep holding serve; hit more aggressive returns

9

Bradley Klahn (No. 87)

2018 Notes: Returned to the Top 100 for the first time since 2014

So many injuries have halted his progress at numerous stages of his career. His lefty serve is pure. If he can stay healthy, he should crack the Top 50. — Jim Courier

New Year’s Resolution: Remain in the Top 100 for the entire season

10

Bernarda Pera (No. 69)

2018 Notes: Reached third round of Australian Open as a lucky loser

She’s made a lot of progress rather quickly. I like her game—lefty, with spin—and it’s fun to watch. But it has a lot of room for growth and improvement. — Chanda Rubin

New Year’s Resolution: Step forward and add some pace to her game

11

Taylor Fritz (No. 49)

2018 Notes: Won Newport Beach and cracked the Top 50 for the first time

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He competes as well as anyone I’ve ever seen, and has a great attitude which will take him a very long way. He wins matches he has no business winning, and has some big weapons to work with already. — Mark Knowles

New Year’s Resolution: Improve his transition game to the net, as well as his defense

12

Michael Mmoh (No. 103)

2018 Notes: First year inside Top 100; won two ATP Challengers

He’s a great mover that can play incredible defense—but he’s still in development. He needs to learn how to blend offense with his natural abilities from the baseline. — Jim Courier

New Year’s Resolution: Work on an offensive strategy

13

Alison Riske (No. 62)

2018 Notes: Lost in the first round at three Slams; went 28–25 overall

A consistent, very hard worker—she’ll always put up solid results. She lacks a big weapon, but is the type of player that can cash in when a draw opens up. — Mark Knowles

New Year’s Resolution: Return to the third round of Wimbledon

14

Caroline Dolehide (No. 126)

2018 Notes: Won her biggest ITF title, a $60,000 in Florida

Her kick serve is already one of the best on tour. She’s got so much power, but also has all-court abilities, including net coverage. She’s still maturing. — Tracy Austin

New Year’s Resolution: Transition to playing a full WTA schedule

15

Amanda Anisimova (No. 98)

2018 Notes: Posted a WTA record of 24–9; three main-draw wins at Indian Wells

Like getting to buy Apple stock in 1984, there is so much to like about this 17-year-old. She has an all-court game, a reliable serve and big shots. We may expect too much from her too soon, but she will be a star. — Mark Knowles

New Year’s Resolution: Get more comfortable at bigger events, and don’t regress

16

Denis Kudla  (No. 63)

2018 Notes: Made D.C. quarterfinals; won sixth ATP Challenger title

He’s done well to get the most out of his size and strength. He has a great transition game, works hard, is mentally tough—and seems to really enjoy the tour grind. — Mark Knowles

New Year’s Resolution: Make an appearance in an ATP final for the first time

17

Danielle Collins  (No. 36)

2018 Notes: Made round of 16 at Indian Wells ranked No. 117, then reached the Miami semifinals (36)

You can see the potential: she’s got game when she can tame it, which she’s been doing since early last season. She’s got a great attitude and is a tremendous fighter. She’s feisty as heck—I love it. — Martina Navratilova

New Year’s Resolution: Work on her movement; prepare to defend big points

18

Sachia Vickery (No. 103)

2018 Notes: Cracked Top 100; defeated Garbine Muguruza at Indian Wells

She’s such a good athlete and is very quick around the court. She needs to better understand how to play in winning situations, which she struggles with. — Chanda Rubin

New Year’s Resolution: Play all four Grand Slam main draws

19

Ryan Harrison

2018 Notes: A 21–21 record with runner-ups in Brisbane and Atlanta

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He made a nice comeback to reestablish himself in the pros. He’s got power, but he doesn’t really use it. Pretty good serve, but he overspins his forehand. — Jimmy Arias

New Year’s Resolution: Use a serve-forehand combo more often He needs to get more confident with his two-hander.

20

Steve Johnson (No. 33)

2018 Notes: Won two titles in the U.S.; went just 3–4 at the majors (33)

He’s a great athlete and his kick serve is amazing. He could have a nice little run—he’s just got to believe. — Jimmy Arias

New Year’s Resolution: Get to the second week of a Slam for second time