Tennis history is filled with rising stars who looked like the next big thing—until they weren’t. Whether it was due to injuries, mental burnout, or just not quite cracking the top tier, these players had all the tools but couldn’t turn promise into dominance.
We’re counting down the 15 tennis players who had the hype, headlines, and huge expectations—but for one reason or another, never quite delivered the career people predicted. They all had flashes of brilliance, but the consistency and greatness we expected just never showed up.
15. Ryan Harrison
He was dubbed the future of American tennis as a teenager, but the results never matched the buzz. Harrison hovered around the top 50 and then quietly faded into obscurity.
14. Laura Robson
Wimbledon darling turned British hopeful, Robson showed glimpses of greatness early on. But injuries completely derailed what could’ve been a strong WTA run.
13. Donald Young
Young turned pro at 14 and was hyped as the next American prodigy. Instead, he spent most of his career battling through qualifiers and trying to prove he belonged.
12. Sorana Cirstea
Cirstea had the power game and star potential, but consistency wasn’t her friend. She reached a French Open quarterfinal at 19 and then… kind of stayed there for the next decade.
11. Bernard Tomic
Tomic had talent, but his work ethic and attitude were always under fire. He once admitted to being bored on court—never exactly what you want from a supposed future star.
10. Jelena Dokic
The early results were electric, but chaos off the court—especially involving her volatile father—hindered her rise. She had the game to win Slams, but the circumstances were just too turbulent.
9. Jack Sock
Sock’s forehand and doubles success made everyone think he’d crack the singles elite. Instead, he yo-yoed in the rankings and never quite found his groove in the solo spotlight.
8. Anna Kournikova
She had the fame, the endorsements, and the looks—but not a single WTA singles title. Kournikova was more pop culture icon than tennis force, and the hype didn’t match the results.
7. Gaël Monfils
One of the most athletic players to ever step on a court, Monfils dazzles fans but frustrates coaches. He always looked like he could win a Slam… he just never actually has.
6. Andrea Jaeger
Jaeger reached world No. 2 as a teen but flamed out before turning 20. Her career was more “what could have been” than “what was.”
5. Ernests Gulbis
The rich kid with a rocket of a backhand, Gulbis was endlessly entertaining and equally maddening. He talked a big game but rarely backed it up when it mattered.
4. Marcos Baghdatis
After a thrilling run to the 2006 Australian Open final, it seemed like Baghdatis was ready to be a mainstay. But that run turned out to be more of a one-hit wonder than a breakout.
3. Nicole Vaidišová
She cracked the top 10 as a teenager and looked like the next big WTA star. Then, almost as quickly as she arrived, she walked away from the sport.
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2. Grigor Dimitrov
Dubbed “Baby Fed” for his smooth style and one-handed backhand, Dimitrov had sky-high expectations. He’s had a solid career, but the Grand Slam hardware everyone predicted? Still missing.
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1. Nick Kyrgios
Arguably the most talented player of his generation, Kyrgios has beaten the best—but on his terms. Whether it’s injuries, attitude, or just not wanting it enough, he’s become the ultimate “what if” in tennis lore.
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