The world of men’s tennis is constantly evolving, with new players emerging and established pros continuing to dominate the sport. With the 2023 well underway, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at the rising stars and established players who are set to make a major impact this year.
From young talents who are making their mark on the ATP tour for the first time, to seasoned veterans who are still at the top of their game, there’s no shortage of talented players to keep an eye on.
Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or simply enjoy watching the sport, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the tennis players who are set to dominate in 2023.
So, let’s dive in and explore the players who are sure to make the biggest waves in the world of men’s tennis in the coming year!
1. Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
The young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz has established himself as a remarkable and thrilling tennis player to watch in 2023. At just 19 years old, he has already accomplished remarkable feats on the court, including winning the 2022 US Open Grand Slam title. He became the youngest player to do so in over 20 years.
After an injury related break that forced him out of the 2023 Australian Open, he continued his impressive form winning the Indian Wells Masters title.
Alcaraz’s strengths on the court include his powerful forehand, that resembles that of Roger Federer’s technique, his quick footwork and a calm and composed demeanor under pressure. Many compare him to a young Rafael Nadal, also hailing from his hometown of Murcia, Spain.
Carlos’ impressive performances have earned him significant media attention and a rapidly growing fanbase. With his talent, drive, and potential, he is definitely the top player to watch in 2023.
2. Holgen Rune (Denmark)
Holger Rune is another exciting and promising tennis player to watch in 2023. He broke into the ATP top 10 at the age of 19 after winning his first Masters 1000 title at the Paris Masters in 2022. In Paris he beat none other than Novak Djokovic.
Rune’s strengths on the court include his athleticism, power, and ability to hit winners from all areas of the court. However, what makes him stand out from other players is his willingness to take risks, often opting for unconventional shots that keep his opponents guessing.
While Rune’s talent has earned him significant attention from the media, his controversial attitude and outspoken nature have also made him a polarizing figure. His rivalry with Stan Wawrinka, which has included heated exchanges both on and off the court, has been particularly noteworthy.
Despite his controversial personality, there is no denying that Rune is a talented and exciting player to watch this season.
3. Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece)
Stefanos Tsitsipas is undoubtedly one of the most exciting tennis players to watch in the past few years. His powerful forehand and beautiful one-handed backhand make him a formidable opponent on the court.
Tsitsipas has already achieved a great deal in his young career, including reaching two Grand Slam finals (French Open in 2022 and the Australian Open in 2023) and winning the ATP Finals in 2019.
Some of his strengths on the court include his exceptional footwark and a potent serve. However, Tsitsipas has struggled with consistency in his game, which has prevented him from winning a Grand Slam title yet.
While he has had success at the Australian Open and on clay courts, he has struggled to replicate that form at the second half of previous years, most notably on Wimbledon and the US Open.
Despite this, Tsitsipas remains an exciting player to watch and it will be interesting to see if his talent and potential will earn him his first Grand Slam in 2023.
4. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) and Rafael Nadal (Spain)
The battle for the GOAT! The tennis rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal has been one of the most captivating rivalries in the Open Era. The two have faced each other in 59 matches, including all four major finals, with Djokovic leading with a record of 30-29. Their matches are considered classics, and they have produced some of the greatest matches of all time.
As of April 2023, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are tied with 22 Grand Slam titles each, holding the record for the most men’s tennis Grand Slam titles. Djokovic won his 22nd Grand Slam title in the Australian Open men’s final, equalling Rafael Nadal’s record.
The 2023 Roland Garros is a highly anticipated event as it may be the place where one of these two will break the Grand Slam titles record. Rafael Nadal is known as the King of Clay, having won 13 French Open titles.
However, Novak Djokovic is highly motivated to surpass his rival’s record and cement his place in tennis history. With a win in 2023, Djokovic could surpass Nadal’s record and become the player with the most Grand Slam titles in history but also continue his pursuit of the Calendar Grand Slam. The stage is set for a thrilling battle between two of the greatest tennis players of all time throughout the rest of the year.
5. Nick Kyrgios (Australia)
Nick Kyrgios, often referred to as the “bad boy” of tennis, continues to be one of the most exciting players to watch in 2023. His explosive personality, combined with his undeniable talent, brings sell-out crowds and prime-time matches.
However, his on-court attitude frequently lands him in hot water with umpires, resulting in warnings and penalties. Kyrgios is notorious for breaking rackets during matches and his hot-tempered outbursts often overshadow his impressive tennis skills.
Despite this, his popularity remains high, and fans love his unorthodox playing style and the unpredictability of his matches. With or without a coach, Kyrgios is a force to be reckoned with on the court, and his matches are sure to be must-see events for tennis fans in 2023.
