The year 2016 was a tough one between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal sidelined with injury and the unforeseen ascension of Andy Murray to the No. 1 ranking.

Novak Djokovic looked undefeatable heading into the year, and after winning the Australian Open, but Andy Murray fans know how that turned out. Djokovic seemed demoralized by the end of the season with both on- and off-court problems. Guru, anyone?

In the you’re-the-ones-who-threw-it-out-there dept., here’s our Crystal Ball Awards from those that offered commentary with their picks:

You think you have the right stuff? Rafa will be No. 1 again — or crash out the Top 10 when both kneecaps explode? Roger returns to No. 1? Or drops out of the Top 10 altogether? Boris Becker turns Novak into a serve-and-volleyer on clay to take No. 1 in 2014? Better chance of that, or another Becker illegitimate kid surfacing? But that’s another contest.

Steve27 likewise stuck his foot in his mouth with “Many commenters puts Federer first place. Like Mc Enroe said: Are you kidding me!. haahhaa Federer is over, and i think is his last year in top 5. no doubts AND HIS FINAL GRAND SLAM COULd BE IN SEPTEMBER IN THE US OPEN. Then is over. No disrespect to someone like Federer.The last oportunitty to a tennis player is when you are in 30s and 31s, then is practically impossible to reach any sucess in any grand slam with the exceptions of Agassi and of course Rosewall.”

Speaking of tickets. For grins, I stopped by the Lacoste store on M St. to check out how the Roddick ticket give-away was going. There was a healthy and well organized line, with a few people also walking out with shopping bags to boot. Well done all around.

Secondly, call that most difficult opponent at your club or park, the one who moves well and plays without any power or pace, and determine to be patient, be light on your feet, and willing to improve your rhythm against this guy or gal.