The ATP 2023 Tour comes to an end. Here is what you should know.
The 2023 ATP Tour season concluded with a spectacular array of memories, surprises, and a glimpse into the evolving landscape of tennis. As we bid farewell to a year filled with exhilarating matches and standout performances, let's celebrate the players who reshaped the game, injecting an extra dose of excitement into every match.
Jim Connors by BSF
Singles Player of the Season: Novak Djokovic
In a season defined by Novak Djokovic's relentless pursuit of greatness, the Serbian maestro claimed the title of Singles Player of the Season. Winning three out of four Grand Slam titles and maintaining his world No. 1 status, Djokovic showcased tennis excellence. Despite a brief setback at Wimbledon, his emphatic response with a 19-match winning streak solidified his legendary status.
Doubles Team of the Season: Austin Krajicek / Ivan Dodig
In a season of change, the consistency and excellence of Austin Krajicek and Ivan Dodig shone through, earning them the Doubles Team of the Season award. With five titles, including victories at the French Open and Monte Carlo, their all-around skills and top-two ranking reflected dominance in the doubles arena.
Best Match of the Season: Djokovic vs. Alcaraz (Cincinnati)
The pinnacle of tennis excitement in 2023 was the Djokovic vs. Alcaraz clash in Cincinnati. This historic encounter, the longest best-of-three final in ATP Tour history, lasting three hours and 49 minutes, showcased Djokovic's resilience in overcoming adversity. A true spectacle, this match will be etched in the memories of fans for years to come.
Best Rivalry: Medvedev vs. Zverev
While established rivalries continued to captivate, the unexpected clash between Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev emerged as a standout. Despite Medvedev's dominance in head-to-head results, the intensity and memorable clashes, including a frosty exchange in Monte Carlo, added a new layer of excitement to the season.
Best Quote: Daniil Medvedev
Injecting humor into the intense moments of the season, Daniil Medvedev's nonchalant response to allegations of flipping the middle finger provided a memorable quote. "No, I didn't. I just checked my nails. No, really, it's nothing more than that. Why would I do that to this beautiful crowd in Paris-Bercy?" Medvedev's smirk added an entertaining twist to the season.
Biggest 'What If' Moment of the Season: Carlos Alcaraz at Roland-Garros
Adding intrigue to the season were the 'What If' scenarios, with the most significant question surrounding Carlos Alcaraz's French Open campaign. What if he hadn't suffered cramps in the semi-finals? Could he have toppled Djokovic and claimed the title? It's a tantalizing uncertainty that keeps fans buzzing.
Biggest Surprise of the Season: Felix Auger-Aliassime
In a season known for its twists, the unexpected dip in form for Felix Auger-Aliassime took many by surprise. A hard-court specialist who struggled for consistency, Auger-Aliassime's journey from No. 6 to No. 29 added an element of unpredictability to the season's narrative.
Best Comeback of the Season: Alexander Zverev
Celebrating the changing tide, Alexander Zverev's strong comeback after a serious injury in the 2022 French Open added a resilient touch to the season. Overcoming a slow start, Zverev won two titles and secured a spot in the Nitto ATP Finals, showcasing a triumphant return to form.
Best Young Player: Carlos Alcaraz
In a field teeming with talent, Carlos Alcaraz emerged as the beacon of the next generation. Despite a slight drop-off in the latter part of the year, Alcaraz's victories at prestigious events like Wimbledon, Indian Wells, and Madrid showcased his potential to be the torchbearer of men's tennis in the coming years.
Biggest Breakthrough: Ben Shelton
The Biggest Breakthrough of the Season belonged to the electrifying Ben Shelton. Climbing from the second-tier Challenger Tour to finish the year ranked No. 17, Shelton's journey, marked by an ATP title, deep Grand Slam runs, and a Laver Cup victory, adds a thrilling chapter to the evolving narrative of men's tennis.
