The 12 Men Who Captured Their First ATP Title in 2024: A Landmark Year for Rising Stars
The 2024 ATP season has been a showcase of emerging talent and breakthrough performances, with 12 players etching their names into tennis history by winning their maiden ATP Tour titles. Among them are Jack Draper and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who epitomized the rise of a new generation ready to challenge established stars. From stunning upsets to thrilling finals, this list captures the diversity, talent, and resilience of players who reached this significant milestone in 2024.
1. Jack Draper (Eastbourne, Great Britain)
For British tennis fans, 2024 was a year to celebrate as Jack Draper claimed his first ATP title on home soil at the Rothesay International in Eastbourne. The 22-year-old showcased his powerful serve and exceptional baseline game to triumph in front of an ecstatic crowd. Draper’s road to victory included a win over a top-20 opponent in the semifinals and a gritty three-set battle in the final. This breakthrough marked Draper as a serious contender for bigger titles in the future, particularly on grass.
2. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (Lyon, France)
France witnessed the emergence of a new star as Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard claimed his maiden title in Lyon. The 20-year-old, known for his towering height and aggressive playing style, capitalized on his wild card entry to deliver a series of impressive performances. His victory was particularly special as it came in front of a supportive home crowd. Perricard’s win symbolized the resurgence of French tennis, long celebrated for producing stars like Gaël Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
3. Dominic Stricker (Gstaad, Switzerland)
Dominic Stricker joined the elite list by capturing his first ATP title on the clay courts of Gstaad. The Swiss youngster, who had shown promise in Challenger events, took a giant leap forward with this victory. Stricker’s all-court game and poise under pressure were evident as he defeated seasoned opponents en route to the trophy. His win further solidified Switzerland’s reputation as a tennis powerhouse.
4. Alex Michelsen (Los Cabos, Mexico)
American teenager Alex Michelsen made headlines by securing his maiden ATP title at the hard-court event in Los Cabos. Michelsen, already touted as one of the brightest prospects in American tennis, delivered a stunning performance throughout the tournament. His fearless approach and tactical intelligence helped him overcome more experienced players, including a memorable win against a former top-10 opponent in the final.
5. Arthur Fils (Montpellier, France)
France celebrated another rising star as Arthur Fils clinched his first ATP title in Montpellier. Fils, known for his dynamic game and tenacity, thrilled the home crowd with his aggressive shot-making and remarkable composure. His success at this indoor event underscored the depth of young talent emerging in French tennis.
6. Luca Van Assche (Kitzbühel, Austria)
Continuing the French theme, Luca Van Assche captured his first title in the picturesque setting of Kitzbühel. The 20-year-old, a product of the French tennis academy system, displayed incredible maturity on clay, outlasting opponents in grueling matches. His maiden title was a testament to his endurance and skill on slower surfaces.
7. Ben Shelton (Auckland, New Zealand)
Ben Shelton’s explosive game was on full display in Auckland, where he captured his first ATP title. The American, renowned for his powerful serve and forehand, overcame a strong field to emerge victorious. Shelton’s charismatic personality and electrifying style of play have quickly made him a fan favorite on tour.
8. Arthur Cazaux (Cordoba, Argentina)
Arthur Cazaux added to the French contingent of first-time winners with a victory on the red clay of Cordoba. Known for his tactical acumen and clay-court expertise, Cazaux navigated a challenging draw to lift the trophy. His win highlighted his potential to become a consistent performer on the ATP Tour.
9. Roman Safiullin (Astana, Kazakhstan)
Roman Safiullin’s triumph in Astana was a breakthrough moment for the Russian. The hard-hitting baseliner battled through a competitive field to secure his first ATP title. Safiullin’s win demonstrated his resilience and ability to perform under pressure, qualities that bode well for his future on tour.
10. Tomas Barrios Vera (Santiago, Chile)
Chilean tennis received a boost when Tomas Barrios Vera captured his first title in Santiago. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Barrios Vera’s consistency and mental toughness carried him to victory. His success on clay has reignited hopes for Chilean tennis, following in the footsteps of legends like Marcelo Ríos.
11. Thiago Seyboth Wild (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Thiago Seyboth Wild delivered one of the most emotional victories of the season by claiming his maiden title in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian’s thrilling run included dramatic comebacks and a show of nerves of steel in the final. His title win resonated deeply with fans, highlighting his potential to shine on the big stage.
12. Zhizhen Zhang (Zhuhai, China)
Zhizhen Zhang made history by winning his first ATP title in Zhuhai, becoming the first Chinese male player to achieve this feat. His victory was a significant milestone for Chinese tennis and showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. Zhang’s win was a source of immense pride for his nation and a sign of the sport’s growing global reach.
A Year of Promising Futures
The success of these 12 players in 2024 signals a shift in the ATP landscape. With seasoned veterans like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal nearing the twilight of their careers, the emergence of fresh talent adds excitement and unpredictability to the sport. These victories not only mark personal milestones but also indicate the potential for sustained success on the tour.
As these players continue to hone their skills and gain experience, the future of tennis looks brighter than ever. Fans can look forward to seeing how these first-time champions build on their achievements and challenge the established stars in the coming years. Whether it’s on clay, grass, or hard courts, the new generation is ready to leave its mark on the world of tennis.