Jannik Sinner added another feather to his cap after he was voted as the ATP Fans’ Favorite Player of 2023 in the men’s singles category. The Italian scaled new heights this season and was picked by fans for the ATP Award. With this win, he matched Rafael Nadal’s tally, but both are far off from challenging Swiss great, Roger Federer.
2023 proved to be the Sinner’s best season as he finished the year at a career-best World No.4 ranking. He won his first ATP Masters title and made it to the final match of the ATP Finals on home soil. Leading Italy to Davis Cup victory further endeared him to fans, and the love was evident when he was given a rousing reception in a capacity soccer stadium back home.
Sinner was chosen as the Fans’ Favorite men’s singles player for 2023, staving off the likes of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. To elect a winner, fans voted online for their choice from the top 25 in the ATP Race rankings. Sinner is only the fifth player to receive this honour since its inception in 2000. Nadal won it for the first time only last year. Since he fell out of the top 25 after his injury layoff, he was not an eligible contender this year.
Federer leads the list by a humongous gap. He has secured the accolade a whopping 19 out of the 24 times it has been given out. From 2003 to 2021, he was the Fans’ Favourite singles player every year. Only when he retired in 2022 did the award change hands and go to Nadal. The Swiss icon’s streak is legendary and virtually impossible to beat.
Sinner, 22, will have to play until he is 40 and win the Fans’ Favourite award every season just to equal Federer’s tally. However, he can eclipse Nadal if he receives the honour one more time. The Spaniard is currently ranked No.668, and 2024 is speculated to be his final year on the Tour. Hence, it is unlikely he will lift the award again, opening the door for Sinner to surpass him.
Fans react to Jannik Sinner winning ATP Fans’ Favourite Award
Most fans on social media agreed with Jannik Sinner being voted the Fans’ Favourite singles player. Not only did he have a great season on the court, but he also saw his mass appeal increase off of it. This is his second ATP Award after winning the 2019 Newcomer of the Year.
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byu/musicproducer07 from discussion
intennis
Well deserved love Jannik can’t wait for the new season
— ClairwithoutanE (@ClairClair211) December 12, 2023
he’s most definitely my favourite
— Red_Tabby (@karenwr75084451) December 13, 2023
I figured it would be between Sinner and Alcaraz. But since Sinner was riding high right when the vote was taken, I’m not surprised Sinner won.
— CM T (@cmt2160) December 12, 2023
Wow! So happy he did – all things indicate he could be a worthy successor to our Rog 🙂
— Anandhi S (@anandhicayal) December 13, 2023
Tbf I would’ve voted for him too despite being a Nole fan (if I voted), he is such a harmless character
— Barry K (@Bartolo_Utd) December 12, 2023
I enjoy this kid so much . https://t.co/b4NuWstHOP
— D. (@Dini_T_) December 12, 2023
Some, however, expressed surprise over Alcaraz not winning it.
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byu/musicproducer07 from discussion
intennis
You guys abandoned poor Carlos so fast
— Mehmet Kemal (@mekemma) December 12, 2023
I thought Alcaraz would win the award, but I was very surprised that it would be Sinner.
Not that I don’t recognize his strength, but I was surprised to see him surpass Alcaraz, who had another great year.
— 空想樹海紀行ヤマっくす・シバルバー (@Yama0817YAMA) December 12, 2023
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byu/musicproducer07 from discussion
intennis
Comment
byu/musicproducer07 from discussion
intennis
A bit surprising. I guess his results helped. Otherwise I would have guessed Alcaraz.
— Alexandra (@AlexandraF902) December 12, 2023
Sinner is also in contention for the the Most Improved Player of the Year Award and the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award. His incredible season also got his coaches, Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, nominated for the Coach of the Year honour.
