2023 was a remarkable year for tennis lovers. Players put their best foot forward as they tried to outdo each other en route to glory. With the season drawing to a sensational end, the ATP Awards for the year have finally been announced. Italy’s Jannik Sinner is leading the nominations, but American rising star Ben Shelton is not too far behind him.
Sinner had a sensational run towards the end of the year. He capped off the season in style, as he led Italy to its first Davis Cup victory in 47 years. Now, he has found himself nominated in four different categories, including that of the Most Improved Player.
Who deserves the Most Improved Player of the Year Award? 👀
🇮🇹 Arnaldi
🇺🇸 Eubanks
🇮🇹 Sinner
🇺🇸 Shelton pic.twitter.com/HjlOx6nPam— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) November 29, 2023
Jannik Sinner has been in the spotlight since he defeated Novak Djokovic twice on the same day at the Davis Cup. His victory over the Serb came just days after losing the ATP Finals summit clash. Shelton had a fabulous year too, playing on the tour for the first time and achieving incredible results.
Jannik, however, faces tough competition from Shelton. Fans were divided as they weighed in since both players showed remarkable improvement. Opinions varied greatly, and they even dissected performances with a fine-tooth comb.
sinner’s improvement started mid February – to sunshine doubles ,all the way to the end of the year. that’s consistent improvement.
other players on there were just short bursts of brilliance here & there. so it’s an easy answer tbh
— dara (@xergvv) November 29, 2023
Shelton for sure. He came out of nowhere pretty much. Sinner was getting good results already last season.
— gori (@goriverse) November 29, 2023
Jannik beating Novak twice at the end of the year after not looking likely in any earlier outing is the big improver for me. Shelton had a great year, Arnaldi and Eubanks breakout years. I still think Jannik’s next level game is the standout for 2023.
— Nick Comino (@NickComino) November 30, 2023
Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton are the top favorites for this award. Fans now have the opportunity to vote for their favorites, and the winners will be announced in the second week of December.
How did Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton fare this year?
Ben Shelton was one of the breakout performers this season. He began the year by making it to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open before losing to Tommy Paul. His performance exceeded expectations since it was only his second Grand Slam.
While Shelton did not play consistently, he peaked at the US Open. He made it to the semifinals of the last Grand Slam of the year before Djokovic got the better of him. Shelton stunned fans with his raw skills and his flamboyant personality, bordering on cheekiness. He won his maiden ATP title in Tokyo this year as well.
On the other hand, Sinner played well throughout. The Italian won his first Masters 1000 title when he defeated Alex de Minaur in the finals of the Canadian Open. Sinner made deep runs but really peaked in the last quarter of the year.
Jannik won the China Open and carried his good form over to the remaining tournaments. He defeated Djokovic twice on the same day, etching his name in the history of the Davis Cup. Sinner’s popularity has also grown, and he got a taste when he attended the Champions League match between AC Milan and Dortmund.
2023 was a good year for Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton. Irrespective of the outcome of the ATP Awards, both will hope to continue in this vein next season too.