In times of balance sheets, tennis does not escape the rule of highlighting the good and the not so good of a season revolutionized by the blows of the pandemic that affected the world. Here we are going to give one of those balances, little known, but which is a voice of support and recognition to those who made a quantitative and qualitative leap that has led them in less than a year to achieve goals that they hardly dreamed of.
By SERGIO RIED / Photo: ARCHIVE
THOSE WHO IMPROVED THEIR RANKINGS THE MOST
Carlos Alcaraz, from position 32 to 1.
Despite the fact that it was known that the Murcian was destined for great things, few imagined that glory would come to him so soon. Because he is the number one who made the biggest leap in history to reach the top of world tennis at just 19 years old.
Holger Rune, part 103 al 11.
This irreverent Dane, just 19 years old, had already tasted the sweetness of glory by becoming number one in the world for juniors in 2019 and playing Davis Cup at the age of 14. Now, with a dream ending to the season, which includes the title of the Paris Bercy Masters 1000 over Novak Djokovic, he already caresses the maximum glory as he is skirting the top 10… and adding.
Taylor Fritz, from 23 to 9.
The Californian had a rise not without difficulties, but his tenacity and determination, added to a great game, led him to conquer the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells, be a semifinalist in the Masters Finals in Turin, defeating none other than Rafael Nadal on his way. and become number one in the United States. To consider it in 2023.
Nick Kyrgios, from position 93 to 22.
No one doubts that this Australian rebel has plenty of game and merits to at least be top 10, but his temperament prevents him. Re-engaged in the circuit and with substantial improvements in his incomprehensible and harmful behavior, this tennis “enfant terrible” was a finalist at Wimbledon and doubles champion at the Australian Open. He is in the hands of him to keep moving forward.
Lorenzo Musetti, from puesto 59 to 23.
The young Italian from Carrara, at 20 years old, does not stand out so much for his notable rise in the ranking, but also for his remarkable game, which reminds one of the great Roger Federer. He won two ATP titles (Hamburg and Naples), he was a constant entertainer in the big tournaments of the season. It is not risky to say that he is going to be one of the main actors of the circuit in 2023.
Francisco Cerundolo, from position 127 to 30.
Without anyone expecting it, the Argentine suddenly became number 2 in his country, behind Diego Schwartzman, after winning in Bastad, reaching the semifinals at the Miami Open and achieving important victories against renowned rivals. Despite an opaque end of the year, a lot is expected of him in 2023.
Máxime Cressy, from position 112 to 32.
This French nationalized American has his greatest merit in being THE ONLY player on the ATP circuit who serves and volleys. A game, in extinction, that is the most beautiful in the world and that makes us evoke great players like Becker, Edberg, Sampras, Rafter, Cash and other legends. He won the title in Newport and was a finalist in Eastbourne, obviously on grass.
Pedro Cachin, from 245 to 56.
Without more scrolls than having been the protagonist in the challengers, he made the third round at the US Open and showed himself as a powerful and applied player who hit one of the most spectacular jumps of the year.
Jeffrey John “JJ” Wolff, from 174th to 66th place.
From challengers to runner-up at the Florence tournament and third round at the US Open, this charismatic 23-year-old American finished the season with 15 wins from 28 matches, proving that he can be a great cheerleader in the coming season.
Ben Shelton, from position 573 to 97.
This surprising 20-year-old university student made himself known in the challengers, decided to enter professionalism after winning three consecutive titles in that category and then shining at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 and the ATP 250 in Atlanta, his home. It is another great card from United States tennis for the upcoming season.
