With the 2026 season on the horizon, it’s time for some bold predictions. What’s the point of following tennis if you’re not willing to stick your neck out and make some calls, even if you’re laughing at yourself by December?

That said, there’s genuine reason for optimism this year. Several compelling players are knocking on the door of the Top 10, and if things break right, we could see some fresh faces join the elite ranks. Here are five players we believe have the best shot at making that leap, or at least coming damn close.

Joao Fonseca

If you’ve watched even five minutes of Fonseca’s tennis, this won’t shock you. The Brazilian is the real deal. Currently sitting at a career-high No. 24, he took a massive leap in 2025, finishing the year 39-18 with most of those wins coming against legitimate ATP competition.

At just 19 years old, the natural trajectory suggests an even bigger jump in 2026. Will he improve enough to crack the Top 10? Maybe, maybe not, but it’s far from impossible. A couple of deep runs at the right tournaments, and he’s there.

His game is built for it. Fonseca plays with an aggressive, attacking style powered by a dangerous serve and a forehand that can blow opponents off the court. He has all the weapons. With a bit of luck and consistent execution, he could ride that firepower straight into the Top 10.

Jakub Mensik

Mensik turned heads in 2025, especially with his run in Miami, where he dismantled the field on his way to the title. The path wasn’t easy either, he took down Taylor Fritz and his idol, Novak Djokovic, in the final. That’s the kind of breakthrough that signals superstar ascension.

What makes him so dangerous? One of the best serves on tour, for starters. When you’re that difficult to break, you’re always in the match. Combine that weapon with a solid all-around game and a knack for coming through in the clutch, and you’ve got a future star.

He peaked at No. 16 last year, tantalizingly close to the Top 10. The problem? Injuries derailed his momentum. If he strings together a healthy 2026 and plays at the level he showed in Miami, the Top 10 isn’t just realistic, it’s expected. And if he somehow elevates even further? We might be talking about an ATP Finals contender. A lot needs to go right, but the ceiling is sky-high.

Arthur Fils

Like Menšik, Fils saw his 2025 hampered by injuries. The 21-year-old Frenchman reached a career-high No. 14 in the past but couldn’t build on it due to physical setbacks. Still, he’s shown more than enough to believe the breakthrough is coming.

Fils has one of the most complete games among the young players. He moves well on all surfaces, possesses a quality serve, and can dictate play from the baseline. More importantly, he’s shown the composure and mental toughness required to win big matches. After all, some believe those traits can’t be taught.

He was knocking on the Top 10 door before injuries struck. If he stays healthy in 2026 and maintains the level we’ve seen from him, breaking through shouldn’t be a problem. The fact that he only played 33 matches last year also means he has minimal points to defend. That’s a luxury not many have.

Learner Tien

This one’s a bit more out there, but hear me out. Tien might be the most underrated name on this list, and there are a few compelling reasons to believe he could surprise people.

First, he’s remarkably consistent. To become a Top 10 player, you need to show up week after week, grinding out wins and accumulating points. Tien does exactly that. He won’t always blow you away, but he’ll reliably rack up match wins, and those add up fast over a full season.

The big question is whether he can take the next step against elite competition. Last year, there were flashes suggesting he could, but there are still noticeable weaknesses in his game that need addressing.

That said, his tennis IQ and tactical awareness are elite. If he continues refining his craft, his ability to construct points and problem-solve on court could carry him further than people expect, maybe even into the Top 10.

Jiri Lehecka

Finally, a name on which many should agree on. Lehecka has been producing spectacular tennis for a while now, but the full breakthrough has remained elusive. Sometimes injuries got in the way. Other times, the form just wasn’t there when it mattered.

He’s a streaky player: no getting around that. But when Lehecka is locked in, he’s a legitimate threat to anyone. With more experience under his belt and a clearer understanding of what works at the highest level, 2026 might finally be the year he puts it all together.

Currently sitting at No. 17, near his career-best ranking, he’s primed to make that leap. The pieces are there. The potential has always been obvious. Now it’s about consistency and execution. If Lehecka can find that balance, he won’t just crack the Top 10, he’ll establish himself as one of the game’s most dangerous players.

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images