Uncover the Hidden Stories of Tennis in the In-Between

Tennis in 2024: A Year of Closure and New Beginnings

2024 has seen the end of a significant tennis season, with various events coming to a close. The ATP tour has witnessed remarkable performances and intense competitions. While the year is done, there are still remnants of excitement in the form of exhibitions and the upcoming Next Gen ATP Finals. This in-between period holds the promise of what's to come in 2025.

The closure of 2024 has left tennis fans with a sense of anticipation. They eagerly await the start of the new season and the new challenges that lie ahead. It's a time of reflection on the past year and a time to look forward to the future of the sport.

Carlos Alcaraz: Finding Practice Partners and Growth

Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of tennis, faced a challenge in finding practice partners. Initially set to receive some assistance from Jack Draper at Juan Carlos Ferrero's academy in Villena, Spain, the Brit had to back out due to a "physical mishap." This led Alcaraz to practice solely with Italian Flavio Cobolli, who is still finding his footing in the sport.

Interestingly, Cobolli is one year older than the four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz. Despite this age difference, the practice sessions are likely to benefit Cobolli more. Playing against a better player usually helps the lesser player improve. However, Alcaraz doesn't need excessive help. He does need to be more cautious in taking risks during high-stress points in a match, but he still has the skills to overcome most opponents.

Jannik Sinner: A Rising Force in Tennis

Jannik Sinner emerged as a dominant force in 2024. He finished as the year-end No. 1 and was the most consistent player on the ATP tour. Sinner achieved remarkable feats by winning two Grand Slams and the ATP Finals. He also defeated Alcaraz in the Six Kings Slam exhibition in October, showcasing his growing prowess.

In addition to his on-court success, Sinner recently received another award. He was named the ATP Fans' Favorite Award for the second consecutive year, a feat that Alcaraz has yet to achieve. Rafael Nadal won the award in 2022, and Roger Federer held the honor from 2003 to 2021. This raises questions about the fairness of the award and whether it's truly a reflection of a player's popularity.