The 2024 tennis season could almost be summed up by their two names, as they have reigned almost unchallenged over the major tournaments. Winners of two Grand Slam tournaments each, Carlos Alcaraz et Jannik Sinner have asserted themselves, even more, as the greatest players on the circuit, far ahead of the others. After taking stock of the WTA season, it is time to look back at the events that marked the ATP season.
Sinner – Alcaraz: the new cannibals?
With 8 titles in a single season (including the Australian Open and the US Open), the Italian Jannik Sinner, world number 1 at the end of the year, entered a very restricted club. His latest success, at the ATP Finals in Turin against Taylor Fritz, crowned a season that was as successful sportingly as it was eventful off the court. But the doping affair surrounding him did not hinder him unduly to soar in the ranking, with almost 4,000 points ahead of Alexander Zverev.
The German, who won two tournaments this year (the Masters 1000 in Rome and Paris-Bercy), has shown impressive consistency, but is still struggling to definitively reach a final milestone, he who is still chasing a first Grand title. Slam, after his lost final at Roland-Garros against Carlos Alcaraz.
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For his part, the Spaniard has had a mixed season. Only one final in Masters 1000 (won against Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells), one elimination in 2e tour of the US Open, and an end to the season on the knees, certainly. But the Murcian, at only 21 years old, above all conquered his first Roland-Garros, his second Wimbledon, and won Olympic silver in Paris. Still unpredictable on the court, Alcaraz still has to find the right recipe to gain consistency, but still has that sacred fire in him. After two thunderous seasons, “Carlitos” has once again established its place at the very top of the world basket.
The French finish with a bang
The 2024 season for French players ended particularly well, like the final ofUgo Humbert at the Masters 1000 at Paris-Bercy. Beaten only by Alexander Zverev (2-6, 2-6) in the final, Messin won over the Parisian public, and enjoyed a hot week in the capital with a success over Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16. After his titles in Marseille and Dubai in February, the French number 1 (14e world) returned to good performances, despite a sluggish mid-season.
But in his absence, other Blues took over. Starting with Arthur Sonwinner of two ATP 500s in Hamburg (in July) and Tokyo (in September), followed by Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in Basel (in October) after his first title in Lyon (in May). At 20 and 21 years old respectively, the two young French people have both entered the world Top 30, and above all have made an appointment for the years to come. Finally, Benjamin Bonzi won the Metz tournament at the beginning of November, his first title at the age of 28, synonymous with a return to the Top 100.
Djokovic, only Olympic gold
But if some shone, others necessarily suffered from the success of their adversaries. 8e world at the start of the year, the Dane Holger Rune has not won a single title, and has only reached the final once: at the ATP 250 in Brisbane (December 31, 2023). He still finishes season 13e world, two places behind Stefanos Tsitsipas (11e), also ejected from the Top 10. The Greek won the Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo… and that’s it. Worse still, Félix Auger-Aliassime fell to 29e world place, after an anonymous season, marked only by a final in Madrid.
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Another player fell significantly in the rankings, going from first to seventh place: obviously, Novak Djokovic. The Serb undoubtedly had his most complicated season on the circuit. At 37 years old, “Nole” still won the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the only title missing from his list of best player in history. Facing Carlos Alcaraz in the final, Djokovic went for the 99e title of his career, in an indescribable emotion.
On his way, Djokovic dismissed Rafael Nadalwho will bow out after a final Davis Cup, on his Spanish soil in November 2024. Like the legend Rafa, other important players have said goodbye to world tennis in 2024. Andy Murraythe fourth member of the Big Fourofficially announced his retirement from tennis in August, just like the Austrian Dominic Thiem (ex 3e worldwide) two months later. Three giants are leaving, leaving behind a new generation hungry and ready to take on 2025.
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