Can Kamke kickstart career in 2011?

Many tennis bettors are expecting more of the same when the 2011 season gets underway, with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer picking up their magnificent rivalry where they left off this year and dominating the Grand Slams and odds in betting markets in the process. With tough competition hopefully coming from players like Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, the 2011 season is sure to hold its fair share of excitement and intrigue but should we be looking to the lesser lights of the ATP Tour for next season's big story?

One individual who has put forward his case to be the next big thing in tennis and stun those who use odds comparison sites is Tobias Kamke, who won the 2010 ATP World Tour Newcomer of the year award after a string of stunning performances over the past 12 months. So impressive has the trajectory of his career to date been that he ended the year ranked in 67th position after starting the season ranked 254th. At the age of 24, the German player isn't exactly a precocious young talent but seems to be maturing quickly after a relatively slow start to his career.

One of the player's greatest strengths is undoubtedly versatility, with Kamke fairly solid on all surfaces. Whilst his favourite tournament is apparently Wimbledon, where he reached the main draw this year before losing in the third round to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, it wouldn't be too surprising to see Kamke make an impact next season at any of the Grand Slams.

German tennis fans will surely be hoping that Kamke can build on the confidence that will result from being named newcomer of the year on the ATP World Tour by giving a big name or two a run for their money as the new season gets underway.