Tennis News

Best of 2024: Draper, #NextGenATP Shang among first-time ATP Tour champions

Few moments in a professional tennis career rival the thrill of a first ATP Tour title run.

In 2024, the spotlight shone on 12 players who broke through and tasted a tour-level triumph for the very first time, whether as seasoned veterans or fresh-faced newcomers. As part of our annual season-in-review series, ATPTour.com reflects on those who joined the winner’s circle this year.

Jiri Lehecka, Adelaide
In a battle between two explosive hitters each chasing their maiden ATP Tour trophy, Lehecka produced an expertly measured comeback to prevail against Jack Draper in the Adelaide International title tilt. After being overpowered in the first set, the Czech shifted to a more aggressive approach and began to dominate the exchanges with ease to notch a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory.

“It’s hard for me to say something, because it is so emotional for me to win my first title here in Adelaide,” said Lehecka. “It was one of my goals to win a title in 2024 and I’m happy to make it a reality in the first week.” Read Lehecka’s First-Time Winner Q&A

Alejandro Tabilo, Auckland
Tabilo started his 2024 campaign in style at the ASB Classic in Auckland. The qualifier dropped just one set across six victories in a standout week and he jumped inside the Top 50 for the first time in his career as a result, joining Cristian Garin and Nicolas Jarry as the only active Chilean singles champions on the ATP Tour.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling, very emotional,” Tabilo said. “ I never thought it would be this week. I’m just very happy with the tennis that I played, and very emotional.” Read Tabilo’s First-Time Winner Q&A

Luciano Darderi, Cordoba
In just the third all-qualifier final in ATP Tour history, Darderi held his nerve to secure a maiden title against Facundo Bagnis at the Cordoba Open. With his milestone run, the Italian catapulted himself 60 places to No. 76 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

“I feel really good, I can’t believe I have won my first ATP title,” Darderi said. “Last week I lost in the [second] round of a Challenger.” Read Darderi’s First-Time Winner Q&A

Facundo Diaz Acosta, Buenos Aires
Wild card Diaz Acosta completed a dream week at the IEB+ Argentina Open, where he powered to five victories without dropping a set. With his remarkable triumph, which included a dominant win over Nicolas Jarry in the final, Diaz Acosta joined Rafael Nadal as the only left-handed champions in tournament history.

“I have been dreaming about this moment for a long time with my team,” the Argentine said. “I still can’t figure out how I won the tournament without losing sets.” Read Diaz Acosta’s First-Time Winner Q&A

Jordan Thompson, Los Cabos
It was a Thompson double in Los Cabos as the Australian sealed his maiden ATP Tour title just hours after lifting the doubles trophy with partner Max Purcell at the Mifel Tennis Open by Telcel Oppo. Thompson’s singles triumph is underpinned by his monumental turnaround in his quarter-final against Alex Michelsen, where he clawed his way back from 0-6, 0-3 down to secure victory.

“It means the world,” Thompson said after his 0-6, 7-6(1), 7-5 win. “I grew up wanting to play on the ATP Tour and never thought I’d be lifting a champion’s trophy. Actually it hasn’t sunk in yet, but it’s one of the best moments of my career, if not the best.” Read Thompson’s First-Time Winner Q&A

Jan-Lennard Struff, Munich
Struff’s dream moment finally arrived on home soil at the fourth time of asking. Having lost three prior finals, the German produced an imposing performance to see off Taylor Fritz and lift the BMW Open trophy in Munich.

“[It feels] unbelievable, and to do it on home soil is just incredible,” said Struff. “I waited so long. I’m 33 years old and played so long on Tour. It’s just an amazing feeling to do it here in Germany.” Read Struff’s First-Time Winner Q&A

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Lyon
Victory does not taste much sweeter than when it is secured in your home city. Just ask Mpetshi Perricard, who flashed his credentials en route to the Open Parc title in Lyon. Playing in just his third tour-level main draw, the explosive Frenchman proved that he is much more than a big server.

The triumph in Lyon proved just the beginning for the 6’8″ Frenchman, who went on to lift his maiden ATP 500 title at the Swiss Indoors Basel later in the year.

“It means a lot. A lot of dedication, a lot of hard training, a lot of questions about my game,” Mpetshi Perricard said. “But I’m very happy to win this one in Lyon especially, my hometown.” Read Mpetshi Perricard’s First-Time Winner Q&A

Jack Draper, Stuttgart
It was championship-match glory at the third time for Draper at the BOSS OPEN in Stuttgart, where he clinched his maiden ATP Tour title. Competing in his third tour-level final, the Briton secured a 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 comeback over two-time former champion Matteo Berrettini.

It was a week of firsts for Draper, who with the milestone moment cemented his status as the British No. 1, and it led to a stellar end to the season during which he finished as No. 15 in the PIF ATP Rankings with two ATP Tour titles to his name (Stuttgart, Vienna).

“Honestly it means the world to me,” Draper said after his Stuttgart win. “I’ve been working for this moment for a very long time. Hopefully it’s a testament to all my hard work.” Read Draper’s First-Time Winner Q&A

Nuno Borges, Bastad
Borges found a fitting way to clinch his first ATP Tour title at the Nordea Open in Bastad. The Portuguese powered past Rafael Nadal on the Nordic clay, dismantling the 22-time Grand Slam titlist’s serve on five occasions in the championship match.

“It’s crazy, in tennis it doesn’t happen when you expect it sometimes,” said Borges. “I know we all wanted Rafa to win, a part of me wished that too, but something even bigger inside of me really pushed through today.” Read Borges First-Time Winner Q&A

Marcos Giron, Newport
The wait was finally over for 30-year-old Giron, who triumphed at the Infosys Hall of Fame Open in Newport. The American produced some of his most gutsy tennis to save a match point and outlast countryman Alex Michelsen in the final.

“Better late than never. We’ll take it!” Giron said with a laugh. “It’s really special. For me this has been years of hard work, years of dedication and years of support from family, friends and coaches.” Read Giron’s First-Time Winner Q&A

Shang Juncheng, Chengdu
#NextGenATP star Shang etched his name into the history books when he emerged victorious on home turf at the Chengdu Open. Not only did the 19-year-old become just the second Chinese player to win an ATP Tour singles title after Wu Yibing won in Dallas in 2023, but he also became the first player born in 2005 or later to triumph on the ATP Tour.

“I’ve never thought that I would do it this early in my career,” Shang said. “All of [the other Chinese players], they support me, and we support each other. We’re kind of competing against each other, the Chinese players.” Read Shang’s First-Time Winner Q&A

Benjamin Bonzi, Metz
Bonzi’s incredible run of form to close the season ended in jubilation at the Moselle Open in Metz. The French qualifier entered the event having won 14 of his previous 15 matches, including two ATP Challenger Tour titles, and he picked up where he left off with an emphatic run to his first tour-level title.

”I was not expecting a week like that,” said Bonzi. “That’s crazy to finish the year like this.” Read Bonzi’s First-Time Winner Q&A

Source link

Mensik makes his mark: #NextGenATP Czech wins 2024 Newcomer of the Year

Jakub Mensik has carved a name for himself on the ATP Tour over the past 12 months. In recognition of his promising talent and eye-catching ascent, the 19-year-old Czech has been named Newcomer of the Year in the 2024 ATP Awards.

“I’m super happy and honoured to be the Newcomer of the Year and win this ATP Award,” Mensik said. “I would like to say a big thank you for the votes, and to all of the fans around the world for your support and love. It really means a lot.”

See you soon, @mensik_jakub_ 👋#ATPAwards pic.twitter.com/j8M4lYd08q

— ATP Tour (@atptour) December 11, 2024

After seeing off fellow breakthrough star Shang Juncheng to win the ATP Award, Mensik joins Arthur Fils, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as recent Newcomer of the Year winners. Selected by players, the award goes to the #NextGenATP player who entered the Top 100 for the first time and made the biggest impact on the ATP Tour during the season.

Mensik’s 2024 season is underpinned by the impressive run he forged to reach his maiden ATP Tour final in Doha in February. Competing in the main draw of a tour-level event for the first time, Mensik defeated Andy Murray, Andrey Rublev and Gael Monfils in consecutive matches before falling to Karen Khachanov in the title tilt.

Victory over Rublev ensured Mensik became the youngest player to oust a Top 5 opponent since Alcaraz beat Stefanos Tsitsipas at the 2021 US Open. With his memorable run in Doha, Mensik cracked the Top 100 in the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time.

“The [Doha] week will be for me unforgettable,” Mensik said. “I think for the future, this tournament showed me that I can play with these players and that I can be soon on top.”

Mensik earned a win representing Czechia at the Paris Olympics before matching his best result at a Grand Slam by reaching the third round at the US Open. Yet the rising star found another gear in October, when he advanced to back-to-back quarter-finals at the Rolex Shanghai Masters and Erste Bank Open in Vienna.

In Shanghai, Mensik battled past Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov for his third and fourth victories over Top 10 opponents, but fell to Novak Djokovic in the last eight. This run helped him climb inside the Top 50 for the first time, reaching a career high of No. 48 in the PIF ATP Rankings. 

Mensik will tie the bow on his 2024 season at the upcoming Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF in Jeddah, where the top 20-and-under players will compete from 18-22 December.

Source link

My Influences: 'Don't say sorry', Sinner's advice to Michelsen…

Brandon Nakashima and Jannik Sinner. Two names that resonate deeply with #NextGenATP star Alex Michelsen.

The young American speaks with admiration about the impact both have had on his journey, drawing inspiration from Nakashima’s steady brilliance as a fellow Californian and 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals champion, while recounting valuable lessons learned from his encounters with Sinner, including a memorable piece of advice the Italian shared after their Cincinnati clash this year.

In our latest ‘My Influences’ feature, Michelsen delves into the figures who have shaped his game and mindset, both on and off the court. From the tactical insights of top-tier pros to the unwavering support and guidance of his tennis-playing parents, Michelsen offers a compelling look at the forces driving his rise in the tennis world.

Which former NextGen champs do you most identify with?
I would say probably Brandon Nakashima, just because he is a fellow Southern California boy like me. He has got a sick backhand. Plays super well, super solid all around. I like to think I am pretty solid. So, I feel like we’re similar that way. And seeing him win the tournament in 2022, I remember being at home watching. I am actually really good friends with his cousin and his brother, so it was really cool to see him win. I think I am definitely going to draw a little bit of inspiration, a little SoCal inspiration from him before I go there.

Read more from our Influences series

When did you get to know Brandon?
I see him around at most tournaments and he has been very friendly which is very cool. I mean, growing up, we were all watching his progress. He went to college for a little bit and then he turned pro. I have been playing the same tournaments. We haven’t spent a lot of time together. But in passing, he is nothing but nice. He is a little bit of a quiet guy. Nothing wrong with that. I like him a lot.Out of the other former champions, have you hit much with Alcaraz, Sinner or Tsitsipas?

I have played Sinner twice now. I went close to him in Cincy, and at the US Open, he absolutely waxed me. But I remember we talked a lot in Cincinnati, because obviously he won that tournament. And I was actually there for doubles and I made the final. So I was seeing him every day in the locker room. And we chatted up. He actually told me I was saying sorry too much, because I tried to keg him. He knew I was going after him. And he’s like, ‘It’s a good play, don’t say sorry’. He is actually a super nice guy. Unfortunately, I am 0-2 against him. But I guess that’s OK because he is the number one player in the world.

Who have been your biggest other influences?
My parents both played tennis in college. And they inspired me to play. They put a racquet in my hand before I even remember. I was two years old and they put a racquet in my hand. I am glad they started me young. You have to start tennis young or else you are not going to be great. They both were very good college players. And I hit with my mum almost every day until I was 15 or 16. And she was the one that wanted me to hit a million balls and my dad was the one that wanted me to be a little more creative, hit some drop shots, slices. Some funky shots like that. I feel like I got a really good mix from both of them. And I have taken that really far. 

Also, my coach, Jay. I have been with Jay for four years now. He actually told me you know, ‘Kid, you will be Top 100 and be a professional tennis player’ before I had any ATP points. And being where I am right now that means a lot to me. Those are definitely the biggest influences in my life.

What have you learned on Tour this year?
The Tour is absolutely brutal. You lose every week. I haven’t won a tournament this year. I had a match point in the Newport final and I got aced on the match point. It was a good week. I feel like last year I was winning a lot because I went from 600 to 97 in the world. I won a lot of matches in Futures and Challengers. Even though you are not winning every week, you are still winning a ton of matches. And this year I think I might be 50/50. I might have the same number of wins and losses. It is definitely tough mentally, experiencing all this for the first time. And I think becoming a good loser, as lame as that sounds, you have got to become a good loser just because it is going to happen all the time.

Everybody is good. Anyone can beat anyone on a given day in the Top 100. And there is not a lot of job security in tennis if you’re thinking about that. It’s tough out here. And that’s I think the biggest thing that I have learned. And definitely a little more patience. Patience for results. Patience during matches. I feel like I have grown a lot this year. It has been a great first year. Got a lot of great experiences. I am doing pretty well. I have surpassed my goal of Top 50. So I am happy with that.

Source link

Berrettini's love letter to tennis, ‘love of my life’

What does tennis mean to Matteo Berrettini?

The Italian wears his heart on his sleeve and conveyed that in an emotional message he shared in ATP’s ‘Love Letter To Tennis’ series.

“You taught me to be resilient, to keep fighting, to trust the people that you’re working with,” he said.

The former No. 6 player in the PIF ATP Rankings shared anecdotes from his childhood and his relationship with tennis. What did Berrettini say?

Watch the full video below to find out!

Source link

Arevalo named El Salvador's Male Sportsman of the Year

Marcelo Arevalo has received high honours this year. Not only has he climbed to No. 1 in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings, the 34-year-old was named El Salvador’s Male Sportsman of the Year on Sunday. Arevalo previously won the award in 2022.

“Winning the award means a lot. It is super important, becoming the best athlete of 2024 in El Salvador. Super happy because it means that my country is super aware of what’s going on during the year, me winning on the ATP Tour,” Arevalo said. “Winning a Slam, winning a Masters 1000, finishing the year No. 1. The days that I have been here, everyone has been super excited about the achievement of becoming World No. 1. It’s a very big moment in El Salvador.”

Arevalo teamed Croatian Mate Pavic to a standout season in which they won four tour-level titles, highlighted by their Roland Garros and Cincinnati triumphs. They qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals and reached the championship match at the prestigious year-end event. Arevalo and Pavic claimed Year-End ATP Doubles No. 1 presented by PIF honours.

“All the entities are super proud and happy because those are the people who have been supporting my career for so many years and also at the end of the day, it’s a team effort,” Arevalo said. “They are part of this achievement. As I’ve said before many times, nobody can go to the top alone. And for me, having the support of a full country, the Minister of Sports, the Salvadoran government, it means a lot.”

The Salvadoran has claimed 13 tour-level doubles titles and is one victory shy of his 200th match win.

Source link

Fils, Michelsen, Mensik & Shang among #NextGenATP stars in 2024

The world’s best #NextGenATP stars are set to descend on Jeddah next week when they compete in the seventh edition of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.

Arthur Fils, Alex Michelsen, Jakub Mensik, Shang Juncheng, Learner Tien, Luca Van Assche, Nishesh Basavareddy and Joao Fonseca will take to court at the 20-and-under event, aiming to follow in the footsteps of former champions Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Ahead of the tournament, ATPTour.com looks back at some of their breakthrough moments as part of our Best of 2024 series. On Wednesday, we will focus on first-time winners, with Shang featuring.

Arthur Fils, 20 years old
The Frenchman built on his breakthrough 2023 season with standout results at ATP 500 events in 2024. Fils won titles in Hamburg and Tokyo, topping the 2024 ATP 500 Bonus Pool.

“I’m very happy about the tennis I’m producing,” said Fils after his triumph in Tokyo. “I’m working a lot and trying to build my tennis. I think now it’s better, from Hamburg to Tokyo. I still have to improve but it’s cool.”

The 20-year-old cracked the Top 20 in the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time in July, while he earned Top 10 wins against Hubert Hurkacz, Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz. Can he end 2024 with a title in Saudi Arabia?

Alex Michelsen, 20 years old
The 20-year-old has gone from strength to strength in 2024 after first gaining attention in July 2023 when he reached the Newport final. The American advanced to the title match in Newport once again in 2024 and enjoyed a run to the final Winston-Salem as well as a semi-final showing in Metz.

Michelsen is proud of his development in 2024.

“I try not to put pressure on myself this year,” Michelsen told ATPTour.com earlier this season. “I feel like even on the court, I’m always pumping myself up no matter what the score is. Win or lose a point, I’m saying something quietly or loudly to myself. I feel like the pressure hasn’t really gotten to me.”

Journey To Jeddah Hub

Jakub Mensik, 19 years old
Possessing a thunderous game, Mensik reached new heights in 2024.

The Czech made a fast start to the season when he came through qualifying to reach the second round at the Australian Open. He then reached his first ATP Tour final in Doha, beating Top 10 star Andrey Rublev and former World No. 1 Andy Murray. Quarter-final showings in Shanghai and Vienna meant Mensik ended the season inside the Top 50 in the PIF ATP Rankings, having started the year at No. 167.

Off court, Mensik put his head down and studied hard to complete his final exams in Czech language, English and Geography.

“It was super difficult in that time. I was also doing final exams in school, so that was also a big part of my life, because before a Grand Slam I had final exams, and I had the elbow [injury],” Mensik said. “I was really, really, nervous… But I think that we made a good decision that I stayed focused on school at that time and skipped Roland Garros.

“Of course, it was a difficult decision, but I have to say now that it was a very good decision. And after that, of course I was much more happier to play on the court, pain free. And obviously, with straight As in school.”

Shang Juncheng, 19 years old
Shang made Chinese history in September when he won his first ATP Tour title in Chengdu. By triumphing on home soil, the 19-year-old became just the second Chinese champion in ATP history (Wu Yibing, Dallas 2023).

The lefty’s dynamic game style has caused opponents plenty of problems in 2024, with Shang also reaching the semis in Atlanta and Hong Kong.

Shang owes a lot of his success to his parents, who were both professional athletes.

“When I got into tennis, as athletes they both helped,” Shang told ATPTour.com at Wimbledon. “My mum played an individual sport, she knows how to compete by herself and then also having her team help her. My dad playing a team sport was a little bit different, but with physical contact, he knows how important fitness is and measures to help prevent injury, so I think it’s really perfect for me as a kid to start like that in a family who understand. I’m fortunate they’ve taught me so many things, basically everything I know, and it’s just really positive.”

Basavareddy, Fonseca, Tien, Van Assche Shine
American Basavareddy finished 2024 on fire. Since September, he won two ATP Challenger Tour titles and reached a further three finals at that level. Inspired by Rajeev Ram, the 19-year-old will head to Jeddah high on confidence.

Brazilian Fonseca made his mark on home soil in Rio de Janerio, where he advanced to the quarter-finals at the ATP 500 event. The 18-year-old, who also reached the quarters in Bucharest, is thankful for the support he has received from Brazilian legend Gustavo Kuerten.

“My first interaction with Guga was at the Davis Cup at the start of the year,” Fonseca told ATPTour.com as part of our Next Gen Influences series. “He said some really nice stuff to the whole team. [He shared] his experience, the way he managed his career after so many injuries. It is really inspiring and he is an idol. He is a really nice person and he has said some really nice stuff.”

Tien lifted three ATP Challenger Tour trophies in 2024, more than anyone else competing in Jeddah. Van Assche, who played in Jeddah in 2023, enjoyed a run to the third round at the Australian Open in January.

Source link

Sinner Repeats As Fans’ Favourite In 2024 ATP Awards

Jannik Sinner’s popularity goes far beyond those fervent, orange-costumed Carota Boys. For the second straight year, the Italian, the first from his homeland to reach No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, has been voted the Fans’ Favourite singles player in the annual ATP Awards.

“I just want to thank all the fans around the world for voting for me,” said Sinner, coming off the most successful season of his six-year pro career. “It means so much to me because the votes are coming from all of you. You are the reason why I love to play tennis. The support has been amazing throughout this whole season.”

From: Jannik
To: You 💌#ATPAwards | @janniksin pic.twitter.com/nodd4QaYEA

— ATP Tour (@atptour) December 10, 2024

Sinner opened 2024 on a 16-match winning streak, a perfect stretch that included his maiden major trophy in Melbourne, where he became the first Italian in the Open Era to win the Australian Open singles title. In all, he would claim a tour-best eight titles on the year, including his second major singles triumph at the US Open, three ATP Masters 1000s (Miami, Cincinnati, Shanghai) and the Nitto ATP Finals. He capped the year by leading a successful Davis Cup title defense for Italy, the clincher coming via his 7-6(2), 6-2 decision over Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor last month in Malaga. 

The 23-year-old is the 19th player to claim year-end World No. 1 status, and only the third man in the Open Era to win his first two Grand Slam titles in the same season, a feat last accomplished by Argentina’s Guillermo Vilas in 1977. Across 79 matches (73-6), Sinner never lost a match in straight sets, putting himself side by side with record 19-time Fans’ Favourite winner Roger Federer. Sinner and Federer are the only players to achieve this (minimum 20 matches played) in the Open Era.

This isn’t Sinner’s first trip to the ATP Awards podium: He was named Newcomer of the Year in 2019, and last year took home both the Most Improved Player of the Year and Fans’ Favourite honours.

Source link

Thiem's Dream: Passion & Purpose

Thiem’s Dream: Passion & Purpose

Source link

Sabalenka voted WTA Player of the Year

World number one Aryna Sabalenka is voted the WTA Player of the Year after securing four titles in 2024.

Source link

Luca Van Assche, an intellect & mathematician

Luca Van Assche is carving a unique path on and off the court, balancing the rigours of professional tennis alongside the challenges of studying university-level mathematics. And the 20-year-old Frenchman is excelling at both.

While some players may opt for rest during brief moments of free time, Van Assche elects to tackle his studies at Paris Dauphine University. It is not uncommon for his online classes to be sandwiched in between Van Assche’s training sessions, as showcased in our new ‘Journey To Jeddah’ video series.

“Even if I win 50 grand slams, I will not play when I’m 60, so that’s why I continued. I’m also enjoying it,” Van Assche said. “It’s difficult to do both. For the moment, I’m sorting it well.”

The #NextGenATP star is building a career that is about more than just rankings and trophies — it is a journey to sharpen not only his on-court performance, but also his off-court abilities.

“This is a young man who is very much an intellect,” said analyst Robbie Koenig. “The fact that he studies university-level maths. If your brain is wired that way, it’s only going to help you in your tennis to solve problems. Between the ears, he’s more qualified than most.”

One equation that Van Assche may relish is the amount of former competitors at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF who are currently in the Top 20. A semi-finalist last year in Jeddah, the World No. 128 in the PIF ATP Rankings will aim to follow in those footsteps.

In fact, Van Assche, countryman Arthur Fils and American Alex Michelsen are aiming for a second consecutive trip to the 20-and-under event, a feat that has only been accomplished by six players, four of whom are currently in the Top 20: Andrey Rublev, Alex de Minaur, Lorenzo Musetti and Frances Tiafoe.

“I want to do everything to win this tournament and I hope that I will,” said Van Assche, sixth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah.

“When we see the names of the players who have played the Next Gen ATP Finals, they are now very, very famous and very, very good players. It’s motivating to say, ‘Okay, I’m on the right path.’”

The Frenchman’s early success — such as reaching the third round of this year’s Australian Open — has allowed him to set his sights high.

“My biggest goal is to just have big dreams,” Van Assche said. “If you have no regrets and know that you’ve done everything, I think for me that’s the most important.”

.videoWrapper {
position: relative;
padding-bottom: 56.25%; /* 16:9 */
padding-top: 25px;
height: 0;
}
.videoWrapper iframe {
position: absolute;
top: 0;
left: 0;
width: 100%;
height: 100%;
}

Source link