5 Young players to watch in the 2024 tennis season

• The 2024 tennis season is almost here with us 
• Novak Djokovic had a spectacular 2023 season, but with the return of Rafael Nadal and the rapid rise of Carlos Alcaraz, 2024 won’t be easy on him
• From Jannik Sinner to Holger Rune, there are several youngsters who will be aiming to win titles in 2024

The 2024 tennis season is almost here with us and fans can’t wait for it to start. A new season always brings new hopes offering players the chance to achieve what they couldn’t in the previous year.

Well, Novak Djokovic had a spectacular 2023 season, but with the return of Rafael Nadal from injury and the rapid rise of Carlos Alcaraz, 2024 won’t be easy on him. On top of that, there are several youngsters who are already making a name for themselves in the tennis world and will be looking to win titles this coming year.

With that said, let’s take a look at young players to watch in the 2024 tennis season. Considering Carlos Alcaraz’s outstanding performances since 2022, we haven’t included him in this list even though he is younger than some of the players here. Alcaraz has already established himself as one of the best players – he is the one who stopped Djokovic from winning all the Grand Slams in 2023.

1. Jannik Sinner 

Just like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner is far from a new name. The Italian is one of the players who could end Novak Djokovic’s recent dominance in tennis – and I’m not bluffing.

Jannik Sinner. Photo/beINSport

Sinner had a stunning end to the 2023 season, a ceiling-breaking ATP 1000 title in Toronto and inspiring Italy to Davis Cup triumph. He also recorded victories against some of the very best in the game and is ranked world number four as we head to the 2024 season. Considering his experience at the top level, you should expect some outstanding performances from him. In case you are wondering, he is just 22.

2. Ben Shelton

Ben Shelton hurtled through all sorts of firsts in 2023. First Grand Slam quarterfinal? Achieved that at the Australian Open. First Grand Slam semifinal? He checked that at the US Open. First tour title? Won in Tokyo, Japan. Defeating Novak Djokovic? He did that too in 2023.

Ben Shelton at the Australian Open. Photo/Dita Alangkara/AP

Shelton’s performance in 2023 is one he will remember for a very long time considering the fact that he never even played outside the United States at the start of the year. The American is undoubtedly one of the young players who are likely to have a fantastic 2024 tennis season.

3. Jack Draper

Draper has graduated from being the topic of discussion within British tennis circle to the top of the game. A series of injuries have been stalling him behind, but when he is consistently fit, you know what to expect from him. The signs in recent months have been encouraging, which means he could be a menace in 2024.

Jack Draper. Photo/ The Face.

Draper climbed to position 61 in the world after having dropped out of the top 100 in August because of injuries that led to him missing the whole grass-court season.

4. Holger Rune

Holger Rune is the only player aged under 21 to win seven consecutive games against top five players in the Open era. In 2023, he recorded career-best performances at three out of four Grand Slams and reached world number four. Are you still doubting he could do wonders in 2024?

Well, I guess the recruitment of Boris Becker, who inspired Djokovic to reach the level he is, and Severin Luthi, who is Roger Federer’s confidante, will make you change your mind. The 20-year-old will be a force to be reckoned with in 2024.

5. Arthur Fils

Arthur Fils. Photo/ ATP Tour.

Our next youngster to watch during the 2024 tennis season is Arthur Fils. The 19-year-old had a great 2023 season and it shouldn’t be a surprise to see him continue soaring higher in 2024.

Fils, who ended 2022 ranked 251 in the world, won a maiden ATP title this year, triumphing on home clay in Lyon in May. He recorded his first wins over top-10 players and even won a five-setter at a grand slam, all those playing a role in him ending the year ranked 36 in the world. See the huge difference an year made to him? And with his ball-striking and athleticism beyond question, you know what to expect from him in the coming season.