Carlos Alcaraz’s impressive 2024 campaign, which includes two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and Wimbledon, is not enough to secure him the coveted year-end No. 1 ranking on the ATP Tour. Instead, that honor will go to his rival, Jannik Sinner, who solidified his place at the top of the rankings after a stellar run at the Shanghai Masters. Despite Alcaraz’s remarkable season, it’s a reminder that success in tennis is not always measured by Grand Slam victories alone, as consistency across the entire season and strong performances at other ATP events also play a crucial role in the rankings race.
Alcaraz’s situation in 2024 is not unprecedented. In fact, throughout the history of men’s tennis, there have been several instances where players won multiple Grand Slam titles in a single season but still fell short of finishing the year as the world No. 1. This list includes some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen, all of whom, like Alcaraz, experienced a mix of triumph and frustration. Here’s a look at nine notable examples:
### 1. Guillermo Vilas – 1977
In 1977, Guillermo Vilas had an extraordinary year, winning 16 tournaments, including two major titles: the French Open and the US Open. Despite this incredible haul, the Argentine star did not finish the year ranked No. 1. Instead, the year-end top spot went to Jimmy Connors, who, although he did not win a Grand Slam that year, was consistently successful across the tour. Connors claimed eight titles and finished as a finalist at both Wimbledon and the US Open, enabling him to edge out Vilas for the year-end No. 1 position.
### 2. Bjorn Borg – 1978
In 1978, Swedish legend Bjorn Borg secured two Grand Slam titles, winning both the French Open and Wimbledon. Borg was at the height of his powers, and his eight-title season seemed to set him up for the year-end No. 1 ranking. However, once again, Jimmy Connors had a say in the rankings. Connors won 10 titles, including the US Open, and his consistent success throughout the year allowed him to finish ahead of Borg in the year-end standings.
### 3. Jimmy Connors – 1982
By 1982, Jimmy Connors had established himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats. That year, he claimed two major titles, triumphing at Wimbledon and the US Open. Despite his stellar performance at these key tournaments and his five other titles, Connors was unable to claim the year-end No. 1 ranking. Instead, John McEnroe finished the season on top, even though McEnroe did not win a Grand Slam title that year. McEnroe’s five tournament victories, including his runner-up finish at Wimbledon, were enough to secure him the No. 1 ranking.
### 4. Boris Becker – 1989
Boris Becker’s 1989 season saw him lift the trophies at Wimbledon and the US Open, two of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments. He also claimed three other titles, bringing his total to five for the year. However, Becker was denied the year-end No. 1 ranking by Ivan Lendl, who had an exceptional season of his own. Lendl won 10 tournaments in 1989, including the Australian Open, and reached the final of the US Open, which enabled him to finish the year ahead of Becker in the ATP rankings.
### 5. Novak Djokovic – 2016 and 2019
Novak Djokovic has experienced this rare scenario twice in his illustrious career. In 2016, he won the Australian Open and the French Open as part of a seven-title season. However, he was overtaken by Andy Murray, who claimed eight titles, including Wimbledon, and also reached the finals of both the Australian Open and Roland Garros. Murray’s late-season surge allowed him to secure the year-end No. 1 ranking.
In 2019, Djokovic won five titles, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon, but this time it was Rafael Nadal who edged him out for the No. 1 spot. Nadal’s year included four titles, most notably the French Open and the US Open, and his consistent results throughout the season enabled him to finish as the year-end No. 1.
### 6. Roger Federer – 2017
Roger Federer’s 2017 season was nothing short of spectacular, as the Swiss maestro won two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. In addition to his Grand Slam success, Federer claimed five other titles during the year. Despite his remarkable campaign, Federer was denied the year-end No. 1 ranking by Rafael Nadal. Nadal won six titles that year, including the French Open and the US Open, and his consistent presence in finals allowed him to finish atop the rankings.
### 7. Rafael Nadal – 2022
In 2022, Rafael Nadal started the season on fire, winning both the Australian Open and the French Open. He added two more titles to his tally for the year, but despite his strong performance at the majors, it was the young sensation Carlos Alcaraz who finished as the year-end No. 1. Alcaraz’s breakthrough season included winning the US Open and four other titles, and his consistency across the entire tour enabled him to edge out Nadal for the top spot.
### 8. Carlos Alcaraz – 2024
In 2024, Carlos Alcaraz once again found himself in a familiar position. The young Spaniard claimed two Grand Slam titles, winning the French Open and Wimbledon. In total, Alcaraz has won four tournaments this year, but his stellar season was not enough to secure the year-end No. 1 ranking. Jannik Sinner, who had a breakout season of his own, claimed seven titles, including the Australian Open and the US Open. Sinner’s consistency throughout the year allowed him to leapfrog Alcaraz and claim the top spot in the ATP rankings.
### Conclusion
The battle for the year-end No. 1 ranking is about more than just Grand Slam victories. While winning majors is the pinnacle of success in tennis, consistent performance across the entire season and strong showings at other ATP events are equally important in the race for the year-end No. 1. Carlos Alcaraz’s 2024 season is a testament to this, as despite his incredible achievements at the Slams, Jannik Sinner’s consistent excellence throughout the year ultimately secured him the top spot. This year adds to the legacy of players like Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Federer, who have learned that even multiple Grand Slam victories may not be enough to finish the season as the world’s best player.