As we now sit firmly in the new year of 2024, tennis has already witnessed a Grand Slam breakout star in the form of Jannik Sinner, who became the youngest Australian Open champion. Nevertheless, who else is chomping to follow in the Italians’ footsteps in 2024 on the ATP Tour and be another breakout tennis sensation? Throughout this article, we will explore some of the top talents looking to etch their name into tennis history this year. The changing of the old guard looks ever more likely as the months pass by; don’t tell Novak that.
Ben Shelton
Young American Ben Shelton has already caught the eye of many in the tennis world with his bold court antics and powerful play from the baseline. At 21 years old, the Atlanta native looks more than capable of causing upsets on the ATP Tour and in the slams, seemingly waiting for his moment to explode onto the scene entirely, if he hasn’t done that already. Shelton has already taken home the Japan Open crown, building on his impressive run in the US Open, where he reached the semi-final, shocking many tennis wagerers on sportsbooks like BetMGM North Carolina and more around the United States with his outings in New York. Many argue that the American run in his home Grand Slam was easy, but he certainly made the most of his chances in the Big Apple.
Holger Rune
Born just a week earlier than Spainard and Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune is still slightly behind in progression in the professional game. Still, he has all the attributes to have a breakout year 2024. Career-best performances in three out of the four slams in 2023 all but prove this, alongside a career-high world ranking at number four. Rune’s form slipped slightly in the summer. Nevertheless, the youngster recruited six-time slam winner Boris Becker to coach and guide his career, which seemed to reinvigorate his form. 2024 could be the year of reckoning and breakout for Rune, and the starlet of the Netflix show Break Point will have it all filmed on camera, including every tear and tantrum he may throw.
Arthur Fils
1983 was the last time a Frenchman won a Grand Slam, but teenage sensation Arthur Fils could be the man to change that unsavory French tennis fact. The 19-year-old hadn’t featured in the main draw of a Slam until 2023. However, he did come out on top in the French Open Junior Grand Slam in 2021. He’s also taken home the Lyon Open title on the ATP Tour, which saw his world ranking rise dramatically. A powerful forehand and serve to make Fils are a force to be reckoned with on tour, and all eyes will be on the Frenchman at Rolland Gaross this year. Whether he’s ready to make a real dint in a slam remains to be seen, but 2024 will likely be prosperous for Fils.
Jack Draper
With Andy Murray’s tennis career looking to be on its way out, Jack Draper has been flying the flag as Britain’s next great tennis hope. Draper has a massive left-handed forehand but needs to get a move on in the world rankings if he is to be considered among the sport’s best. Injuries have hampered Draper’s progress on the court, and the youngster missed the grass-court season. The 21-year-old will be hoping 2024 can be his year to overcome the niggles he’s had on the court and fully cement his name within the ranks of the ATP Tours best. Hopefully, the Brit can get a good run in front of his home crowd at Wimbledon this year.
