In times of balance sheets, tennis does not escape the rule of highlighting the good and the bad of a season revolutionized by the blows of the pandemic that has hit the world. Here we are going to give one of those financial statements, little known, but which are a voice of support and recognition to those who have made a quantitative and qualitative leap that has led them in less than a year to reach goals that they hardly dreamed of.
By SERGIO RIED / Photo: ARCHIVE
THOSE WHO IMPROVED THEIR RANKING THE MOST
Carlos Alcaraz, from position 32 to 1.
Although it was known that the Murcian was destined for great things, few imagined that glory would come so soon. Because he is the number one who made the biggest leap in history to reach the top of world tennis at just 19 years old.
Holger Rune, part 103 to 11.
This irreverent Dane, just 19, had already tasted the sweetness of glory by becoming the junior world number one in 2019 and playing Davis Cup at 14. Now, with a dream season finale, which includes the Paris Bercy Masters 1000 title over Novak Djokovic, he is already stroking the pinnacle of glory by touching the top 10… and doing the math.
Taylor Fritz, 11pm to 9am.
The Californian had an ascent that was not without difficulties, but his tenacity and determination, added to a great game, led him to conquer the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells, be a semifinalist in the Masters Finals in Turin, beating none other than Rafael Nadal on its way and become number one in the United States. To be considered in 2023.
Nick Kyrgios, from position 93 to 22.
No one doubts that this rebel Australian has a lot of game and deserves at least to be in the top 10, but his temper prevents him from doing so. Re-engaged on the circuit and with substantial improvements in his incomprehensible and harmful behavior, this “enfant terrible” of tennis was a finalist at Wimbledon and doubles champion at the Australian Open. It’s in your hands to keep moving forward.
Lorenzo Musetti, from puesto 59 to 23.
The young Italian from Carrara, at the age of 20, stands out not so much for his remarkable rise in the standings, but also for his remarkable game, reminiscent of that of the great Roger Federer. He won two ATP titles (Hamburg and Naples), he was a constant animator in the big tournaments of the season. It is safe to say that he will be one of the protagonists of the circuit in 2023.
Francisco Cerundolo, from position 127 to 30.
Unexpectedly, the Argentinian suddenly became his country’s number 2, behind Diego Schwartzman, after winning Bastad, reaching the semifinals at the Miami Open and notching up important victories against renowned rivals. Despite a lackluster year-end, a lot is expected of him in 2023.
Máxime Cressy, from position 112 to 32.
This French nationalized American has his greatest merit in being THE ONLY player on the ATP circuit who does serve and volley. An endangered game which is the most beautiful in the world and which makes us evoke great players such as Becker, Edberg, Sampras, Rafter, Cash and other myths. He won the title at Newport and was a finalist at Eastbourne, obviously on grass.
Pedro Cachin, from 245 to 56.
With no more scrolls than having been the star in the challengers, he made the third round at the US Open and showed himself to be a powerful and applied player who made one of the most spectacular jumps of the year.
Jeffrey John “JJ” Wolff, from 174th to 66th place.
From challenger to second round at the Florence tournament and third round at the US Open, this charismatic 23-year-old American finished the season with 15 wins from 28 matches, proving he can be a great cheerleader next season.
Ben Shelton, from position 573 to 97.
This striking 20-year-old college student made his name in the challengers, decided to turn pro after winning three consecutive titles in that category and then shine at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 and the ATP 250 in his home Atlanta. It’s another big US tennis card for next season.
