Each year, for the past 3 years, a player from nowhere has come out of “nowhere” and moved into the top 10.

In 2007, that man was Novak Djokovic.  In 2008, there were two men: Juan Martin del Potro and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. In 2009, it was Robin Soderling.

Is there someone that is basically unknown now that might make that leap?

One possibility is Thiemo de Bakker of the Netherlands.  Currently ranked 96, he’s a little older than the typical breakthrough type that often starts making a splash at 17 or 18.  At 21 years of age, de Bakker won 4 challenger events last year.  He fits the general profile of today’s taller player.  At 6’4″, he’s comparable to a Robin Soderling.

Currently playing in an ATP 250 event in Chennai, he recently won a match 6-1, 6-1 over Rajeev Ram.  To be fair, Ram himself isn’t in the top 30, but an easy win over a top 100 player ought to bode well.

de Bakker’s junior credentials are fairly solid too.  He won the junior Wimbledon back in 2006.

de Bakker may be one to watch.