Top Ten in 2010 Sports

With 2009 coming to a close we are reminded of some of the defining moments this year; Ben Roethlisberger’s game-changing drives in the Superbowl, Usain Bolt’s assault on his own records, even Serena Williams’ meltdown at the U.S. Open. However, I am not one to dwell on the past. So I say so long 2009 and hello 2010. With that being said here are some of the things in 2010 that I am looking forward to from the world of sports:

10.  Tiger Woods’ Run at 19!

Tiger Woods is currently second on the all time list with 14 Major Golf Championships, four behind the leader Jack Nicklaus. Tiger has only won one major in the last two years and it will be entertaining to see if he can rebound and accomplish one of the most remarkable feats in individual sports history. To put this in perspective, Nicklaus won 18 majors in a span of 24 years while Tiger has won 14 in 12 years. We are witnessing the best golfer of all time. Go get em’ Tiger.

9. Roger Federer’s Assault on the Record Book

Roger Federer rebounded in 2009, winning two majors and finally winning the French Open to give him a career Grand Slam. Federer has appeared in an unprecedented 21 career Grand Slam finals and has reached the semi-finals or better in the last 22 Grand Slam tournaments, a streak that spans over five years.  He now has 15 Grand Slam Majors and looks to expand on that amount. It will be interesting to see what the Swiss master can do in 2010 after regaining his confidence. With a healthy Nadal, lurking in his shadow, we will be in for a tennis treat.

Hypothetical: In a Perfect World… The Toronto Maple Leafs

Phil Kessel tallied his first goal as a Toronto Maple Leaf and third point in three games Saturday night in the Leafs’ 5-1 rout of the Detroit Red Wings. Kessel’s return from injury marks the true beginning of Brian Burke’s reign as the team’s general manager. The trade for Kessel was clearly Burke’s biggest splash of the summer, and a statement to Leafs’ fans that he is not willing to wait to contend.

While Burke has faced some criticism for his willingness to part with two first round draft pick, Phil Kessel is a much better (not to mention younger) player than those the Leafs have acquired under similar terms in years past (see Owen Nolan below). The Leafs hope that Kessel is the bonafide scorer that they’ve been missing since Mats Sundin’s departure, and if that’s the case – the two first round picks were well worth it.