How to celebrate 2023? In UK racket sports, an amazing year for our Next-Gen Tennis players, the strong emergence of Pickleball, the growing success of Padel, and outstanding play by the GB Davis Cup squad.
Ominous signs that the December ‘break’ is being rapidly filled by a variety of elite competitions, where the best are displaying their skills after what must have been an exhausting schedule. New interesting game formats too, but not sure how everyone will keep up with the demands of the high level game; already some signs that top winning players, who of course play the most Tennis, will be rationing their appearances in 2024.
Outstanding players of 2023? So many excellent players…….how to choose?
Jack Draper - WR 61 A dramatic and rewarding end to 2023 for Jack, battling injury throughout the season, but a great performance to win the UTS title in London.
Carlos Alcaraz- WR 2 What a performance by Carlitos our Wimbledon Champion! Amazing athleticism, skill, sportsmanship and determination always, win or lose.
Jannik Sinner - WR 4 Cool, calm and fearless, leading Italy to the Davis Cup victory by example, and supported by the Carota Boys who Jannik confirms are more famous than him!
Novak Djokovic - WR 1 Still the man to beat, the machine! Hearts must sink when they see him in their half of the draw; perhaps a little more of his famous sense of humour would be good to see in 2024……
Iga Świątek - WR 1 A stellar season with massive winnings, and she remains the ultimate athlete in women’s Tennis; her reign continues, probably the finest match player of all.
Jodie Burrage - WR 97 So good to see all her hard work paying off at last, a brilliant breakthrough season; surely many titles to come in the years ahead.
Elina Svitolina - WR 25 Outstanding performances for Elina, and mum of the year too.
Coco Gough - WR 3 True grit and athleticism to win the US Open; just the beginning for a modest and charming player, plus a great doubles partner for Jessica!
Players to watch?
Emma Raducanu - WR 298 Good luck Emma; she certainly knows how to win and hard to believe that there are not more titles coming in 2024.
Zheng Qinwen - WR 15 Named the most improved WTA Player for 2023; tall, athletic and tough to beat, with 2 titles in 2023, and working in Barcelona with her coach Pere Riba.
Ons Jabeur - WR 6 Still one of the true all round players on tour; so near this year to a Grand Slam, and as always her humour and charm shines through, a pleasure to watch!
Arthur Fils - WR 36 Winning his first ATP title in Lyon and then missing out in the final of the Next Gen Tournament to Medjedovic in 5 tough short sets!
Ben Shelton - WR 17 Another first title winner in Tokyo with his brand of powerful all-court tennis, a great start and many titles ahead.
Chris Eubanks WR 34 What a performance at Wimbledon! Plus 3 Challenger tour titles; surely one of the classic grass court players on tour, stylish, chilled and deadly.
Much to celebrate in fact, and with the AO about to start more thrills in store for fans everywhere,
Wishing everyone a safe and Peaceful New Year