Still no Alcaraz! 2024 will belong to another tennis player

Tennis expert Patrick Mouratoglou sees many interesting faces among the tennis players on the ATP circuit. But besides Alcaraz, who shone this year, and Nadal, who announced his return to the courts, the Frenchman prefers another name. Why does he trust Janik Sinner?

Nadal and Alcaraz

The French tennis expert has no doubt about one thing. Novak Djokovic will still reign supreme on the ATP circuit. But there is no doubt that he will have no shortage of competition.

This year’s number one rival for the Serbian tennis player was Carlos Alcaraz. At least at the start of the season. His highlight was his triumph at Wimbledon. But then he started to lose.

Mouratoglou trusts Alcaraz on clay. He has dominated there this year and there is no reason to expect a major decline in his performance. At least not on the slowest surface.

It’s all about confidence and a tennis player’s current setup, so even defending last year’s results will be a challenge for the 20-year-old. Moreover, the confidant of Carlos Ferrer must count on the return of the king of clay.

What to expect from Nadal? That’s the million-dollar question. If the Spanish legend is to succeed somewhere, where else but on clay. But the main focus, according to Mourataglou, should be further east.

Why Sinner?

The French expert and also former coach of Serena Williams sees the greatest potential in the Italian tennis player Sinner. The native of South Tyrol showed incredible improvement during the season and had a dream end of the year.

Mouratoglou particularly highlights Sinner’s two wins over Djokovic in eleven days. His performances in the Italian Davis Cup team are reminiscent of those of Djokovic in 2010.

On the courts, the Italian player is showing more and more varied tennis. And he’s doing it with great purpose. The Frenchman believes that Sinner will be a world number two next year and that the following season will be his to some extent.

To conclude

We can sign our confidence in Yanik Sinner to Mourataglou. He showed a decisive jump in performance at the end of the summer, fitting into the role of Djokovic’s main challenger.

This, along with Nadal’s return to the courts and the anticipation of the American Shelton’ s performance, is one of the main draws of the 2024 season, which starts in just three weeks.

Sources: ATP, Tennismajors