2024 ATP Tour Awards: The Nominees Are Revealed with Exciting Contenders Across All Categories
The excitement surrounding the 2024 ATP Tour season continues to build as the nominees for the prestigious ATP Awards have been officially announced. These accolades recognize the standout performances and remarkable achievements throughout the season, and the nominees in each category are a testament to the incredible talent and competitive spirit of men’s tennis.
The awards, which are voted for by ATP players, will feature five key categories, each spotlighting an individual or team for their contributions to the sport. The categories include Comeback Player of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award, and the coveted Coach of the Year award, which is voted on by fellow coaches.
Among the notable names on this year’s nominee list is world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, who is once again in the running for the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award, following his victory in the category last year. But the competition is fierce, with several worthy contenders vying for these accolades. Let’s break down the nominees and the exciting stories behind each category.
Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award: Alcaraz Looks to Defend His Title
The Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award is one of the most prestigious accolades in tennis, named after the legendary former world No. 1 Stefan Edberg, who was renowned not only for his playing prowess but also for his sportsmanship and respect for the game. The award is voted for by ATP players, making it a true testament to the respect one garners from fellow competitors.
Carlos Alcaraz, the 20-year-old Spanish sensation, won this award in 2023 after a stellar year that saw him win his second Grand Slam title at the US Open and regain the world No. 1 ranking. Known for his graceful demeanor both on and off the court, Alcaraz has become a fan favorite, and his efforts to embody the values of sportsmanship are evident in every match he plays.
This year, Alcaraz has been nominated again, and he is joined by Casper Ruud, a former winner of the award in 2022. Ruud, ranked No. 6 in the world, has long been known for his professionalism and conduct, making him a deserving nominee once more. The list of contenders also includes Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian veteran, who has consistently exemplified class and fairness throughout his career. And rounding out the list is Dominic Thiem, the Austrian who is in the twilight of his career but still highly respected for his character and contributions to the sport.
Comeback Player of the Year: Three Former Grand Slam Finalists in the Running
The Comeback Player of the Year award honors players who have returned to top form after facing setbacks, whether it be due to injury or other challenges. This year, three former Grand Slam finalists have made the shortlist, showcasing not only their resilience but also their determination to reassert themselves at the highest level of tennis.
Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, is one of the nominees after a remarkable comeback. Cilic won his first ATP title in over two years at the Hangzhou Open, becoming the lowest-ranked ATP player in history to do so. His return to form has been a major highlight of the season, and he is a strong contender for this award.
Joining Cilic on the list is Matteo Berrettini, the Italian powerhouse, who has faced injury struggles in recent seasons. Berrettini, however, has bounced back strongly in 2024, leading Italy to a Davis Cup victory and winning three ATP titles. His resilience and success make him a standout candidate for this award.
Kei Nishikori, the 2014 US Open finalist, has also been nominated. After an extended period away from the sport due to injury, the Japanese star made a triumphant return to the ATP circuit and reached the top 150 in the rankings once again. His comeback has been widely celebrated by fans and fellow players alike.
Most Improved Player of the Year: Jack Draper Leads the Pack
The Most Improved Player of the Year award shines a light on players who have made significant strides in their game and their rankings over the course of the season. This year, the shortlist includes four exciting young talents who have all shown impressive growth.
Jack Draper, the 2024 US Open semi-finalist, leads the charge in this category. The Brit had a breakthrough season, cracking the top 15 of the ATP rankings and winning the first two ATP titles of his career in Stuttgart and Vienna. Draper’s meteoric rise is a testament to his talent and hard work, and he is one of the favorites to win this year’s award.
Other nominees in this category include Tomas Machac, the Czech player who made substantial progress in the rankings and had a standout season; Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the Frenchman who has seen a remarkable rise this year; and Alejandro Tabilo, who continued to impress with his performances on the ATP Tour and significantly improved his ranking.
Newcomer of the Year: Mensik vs. Shang for the Top Spot
The Newcomer of the Year award is a highly anticipated category, recognizing the breakout stars who have made a splash in their debut seasons on the ATP Tour. This year, it is a two-way battle between Jakub Mensik and Juncheng Shang.
Mensik, from the Czech Republic, cracked the top 50 in the rankings and reached his first ATP final in Doha. His rapid rise and impressive performances have earned him widespread praise, and he is certainly a player to watch in the coming years.
On the other hand, Shang, the Chinese tennis prodigy, ended 2024 as world No. 50 after claiming his first ATP title in Chengdu. Shang’s exceptional talent has seen him rise quickly through the ranks, and his victory in Chengdu was a significant milestone in his young career.
Coach of the Year: The Mentors Who Guide the Stars
The Coach of the Year award is unique in that it is voted on by the coaches themselves, acknowledging the vital role that coaching plays in a player’s success. The shortlisted nominees for 2024 include some of the most respected names in coaching, who have helped guide their players to new heights.
James Trotman, coach of Jack Draper, has been instrumental in Draper’s rapid rise this season. Emmanuel Planque, the coach of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, has also made a significant impact in shaping his player’s development. Michael Russell, who coaches Taylor Fritz, has been recognized for his contribution to Fritz’s continued success. Other nominees include Brad Stine, coach of Tommy Paul, and Xavier Malisse, coach of Alexei Popyrin.
The Final Countdown
As the 2024 season draws to a close, the ATP Tour Awards celebrate not only the champions on the court but also the coaches, comeback stories, and sportsmanship that define the spirit of tennis. With the impressive list of nominees this year, the stage is set for an exciting awards ceremony that will honor the best and brightest stars of men’s tennis. The winners will be revealed soon, but regardless of who takes home the trophies, the 2024 ATP Tour season has been one to remember for the incredible feats and inspiring stories it has produced.