For the 2024 season, there could be no speculation that 23 year old Italian, Jannik Sinner, has evolved into a world-class tennis player. His performance this year can only be described as outstanding; the phenom has clinched seven titles and has taken the no. 1 spot on the ATP rankings, highlighting his reputation as one of the most formidable competitors in the sport.
Sinner has been one of the stars of the 2024 season; his accomplishments in the Australian Open and the US Open are a testament to his hardwork and dedication to the sport. These victories put Sinner in a division with a select few— he is only the 3rd player in the Open Era to win his first two Grand Slam titles in a single season. The two players before him were tennis legends, Guillermo Vilas and Mats Wilander.
His journey to a Grand Slam title started at the Australian Open, where he showed immense fighting spirit and incredible character. The most apparent example of this was in the finals match-up against Daniil Medvedev, as Sinner came back from two sets down to finally beat the experienced Russian. After winning the Australian Open, Sinner joined Adriano Panatta in an exclusive club, the both of them being the only two Italians to have Grand Slam titles.
Later in the year Sinner achieved a similar success in the US Open— which added to his already impressive trophy collection— solidifying himself as one of the most prospectively finest tennis players in the world. This, indelibly, was evidenced by his performance in New York, where he stood out for his fantastic shot-power and fantastic mentality on the court. Throughout the championship, Sinner outplayed more significant, experienced, and formidable opponents, proving that he has the ability to handle all the pressure the game has to offer.
Not only did Sinner add two Grand Slam titles to his belt, but he also picked up three ATP Masters 1000 victories, the most impressive of them coming against tennis legend and record-breaker, Novak Djokovic. Sinner’s mindset and confidence was especially highlighted by this win— his third consecutive against Djokovic— proving that not only was he ready for the big stage, but also that he is here to win.
Sinner’s stellar year does not end here, however, as he shows the world his incredible consistency, finishing the year as the coveted world No. 1— the first Italian ever to achieve this feat! Sinner’s year consisted of an impressive 65 wins and only 6 losses, further showcasing his utter dominance and awe-inspiring attitude.
Currently 23 years old, his progress has been meteoric but not without its hurdles. A recurring theme of the year concerned his competition with yet another young phenomenon, the fiery and proficient Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz. All season long, Alcaraz was a threat to Sinner’s title hopes, with the two playing multiple decisive, nail-biting matches. The rivalry was put to an end as Sinner prevailed, pulling ahead and claiming his laurels as the world’s best.
Sinner has been known, for some time now, for his hard work and raw talent. His groundstrokes have been characterised by a tremendous amount of power, while boasting of an unfaceable serve; he has perfected an all-round style of play.
As Sinner looks ahead to future challenges, the tennis world is eagerly waiting at the edge of their seats to witness his progress and the magic he creates on the court.