Tennishead awards 2023: Matches, moments and players that defined the season
While the most famous players of the past two decades were absent, 2023 gave others a chance to shine. Novak Djokovic definitely took advantage of this opportunity, even if he wasn’t the only one.
The year was packed with sensational tennis and exciting stories, with new rivalries emerging and others developing on both tours.
We recognize the men and women who made this year a success
PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Novak Djokovic
Until Carlos Alcaraz lost in the semi-finals of the US Open, he was still the favorite to win, but Novak Djokovic secured our distinction by winning his 24th Grand Slam title. Djokovic won three Grand Slam titles for the fourth time this year. Had he not lost to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, the 36-year-old Serbian would have become the first man to win a Grand Slam title in a calendar year since 1969
Iga Swiatek
While Aryna Sabalenka shined at Grand Slam level, reaching at least the semi-finals in all four tournaments, Iga Swiatek showed impressive consistency in defeating the Australian Open champion. The Polish player won six titles this year, including the French Open and the WTA Finals at the end of the year. Swiatek also won her two of her three matches against Sabalenka this year.
BEST NEWCOMERS
Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton started the year at No. 96 in the world and broke into the top 20 in September. The 21-year-old American is a ferocious ball striker who loves to attack and has never looked back since winning his first Grand Slam. His only appearance outside of New York was at the Australian Open, where he reached the quarterfinals. He then reached the semifinals of the US Open, but lost to Novak Djokovic.
Mirra Andreeva
Mira Andreeva made a name for herself on the world stage at the age of 16 by qualifying for the French Open and Wimbledon, reaching the third and fourth rounds respectively. Until a month before Wimbledon, the Russian had never stepped foot on a grass court, but she defeated two seeded players, Barbora Krejchikova and Anastasia Potapova.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYERS
Tallon Griekspoor
After breaking into the world top 100 for the first time two years ago, the 27-year-old Dutchman made further progress in 2023, rising from 95th place at the start of the year to the top 25 in just eight years. The world we will reach in a few months. He also appeared in three finals, winning two of them (Pune and ‘s-Hertogenbosch). He is coached by former top 30 player Christoph Beilen
Karolina Muchova
Karolina Muchova has long been considered a great talent due to her versatility and good instincts, but in 2023, the 27-year-old Czech will improve even more, winning the final and first place at Roland Garros. At the US Open, he reached the semifinals. . She was ranked 151st in the world in her January and then she qualified for her season-ending WTA Finals, but she then suffered a series of injuries and she withdrew. .
DOUBLES TEAMS OF THE YEAR
Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek
In a year filled with men’s doubles titles, Dodig and Krajicek won their first Grand Slam title together at Roland Garros. They won four more titles (hard court, clay and grass) as Krajicek became world No. 1 for the first time.
Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova
Although both players continued to have success in singles, the Czech was unable to compete as regularly as the doubles specialist. However, they still found time to prove that they were the best in the business, winning the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and San Diego.
WHEELCHAIR PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Alfie Hewett
The 25-year-old Briton achieved his first year-end ranking of world No. 1 after winning the Australian Open and US Open, and has won eight Grand Slam singles titles. He was also the number one player in doubles with his three Grand Slam wins alongside Gordon Reid.
Diede de Groot
The 26-year-old Dutch woman won all four tournaments for the third year in a row, extending her streak of consecutive Grand Slam singles titles to 12. Boasting 127 consecutive wins, Groot has won a total of 37 Grand Slam titles (20 in singles and 17 in doubles)
COACHES OF THE YEAR
Dani Vallverdu
Grigor Dimitrov experienced the best times in his first period with Valverdu, which led to his return at the end of 2022. Under Valverdu’s leadership, the 32-year-old has risen to No. 14 in the world rankings this year, his highest since 2018.
Anton Dubrov
Alina Sabalenka was not the easiest player to coach, but fellow Belarusian Dubrov brings out the best in her abilities. At 28, he is just three years older than the world number two, who persuaded him not to quit despite his poor performance at the beginning of 2022.
MATCHES OF THE YEAR
Wimbledon final
Novak Djokovic’s 34-match winning streak at Wimbledon was halted after Carlos Alcaraz put on a great final match where he was evenly matched in terms of athleticism and shooting skill. Alcaraz won his 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 and won the title for the first time.
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French Open semi-final
Karolina Muchova reaches her first Grand Slam final by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 7-5 in a traditional three-hour style battle . The Czech’s cunning and smart changes of tempo ultimately won him the victory over the tough Belarusian.
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