Where They Are Now vs. Where They Were One Year Ago: Djokovic, Alcaraz, Sinner, and Zverev.
The world of men’s tennis has seen tremendous shifts over the past year, with established legends maintaining dominance, young stars rising, and injuries altering trajectories. Let’s take a closer look at where Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev were a year ago and how they compare to their current standing.
Novak Djokovic: Still the Man to Beat
One Year Ago (Early 2024)
Novak Djokovic entered 2024 as the undisputed world No. 1, having completed a dominant 2023 season with three Grand Slam titles (Australian Open, French Open, US Open) and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon. At 36, he showed no signs of slowing down, beginning the year by reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open before falling to Jannik Sinner.
Where He Is Now (2025)
Fast forward a year, and Djokovic remains one of the top players in the world, though his invincibility has been tested. The rise of younger competitors, especially Sinner and Alcaraz, has made the tour more competitive. Whether he has added more Grand Slam titles to his tally or faced challenges from the next generation, Djokovic’s hunger and consistency keep him relevant at the highest level. His ability to adapt, as he has throughout his career, determines how much longer he stays at the top.
Carlos Alcaraz: The Young Phenom’s Continued Rise
One Year Ago (Early 2024)
Carlos Alcaraz was riding high after winning Wimbledon in 2023, where he defeated Djokovic in an epic final. He entered 2024 ranked No. 2, but injuries and inconsistency prevented him from fully capitalizing on his potential. He made a deep run at the Australian Open but was stopped in the semifinals by Daniil Medvedev.
Where He Is Now (2025)
A year later, Alcaraz has continued to establish himself as a force in men’s tennis. Whether he has secured another Grand Slam or not, he remains among the elite, with his explosive style and fearless mentality keeping him in the title conversation. However, the challenge for him has been maintaining consistency and staying injury-free, as the physical demands of his aggressive game can take a toll.
Jannik Sinner: From Contender to Superstar
One Year Ago (Early 2024)
Jannik Sinner was beginning to break into the top tier of men’s tennis. His stunning victory over Djokovic at the Australian Open marked a breakthrough moment, signaling that he was ready to challenge for major titles. By early 2024, he had become a regular in the later stages of tournaments but had yet to win a Grand Slam.
Where He Is Now (2025)
Sinner has since taken his game to the next level. Whether he has clinched his first major title or not, he has firmly established himself as one of the sport’s most dangerous players. His powerful baseline game and improved mental toughness make him a formidable opponent against anyone on tour. His rapid ascent has added even more excitement to the sport, and he is now seen as a consistent challenger for the top ranking.
Alexander Zverev: Bouncing Back from Setbacks
One Year Ago (Early 2024)
Zverev was still recovering from the devastating ankle injury he suffered at the 2022 French Open. By early 2024, he had regained his form and climbed back into the ATP top 10. However, he struggled to make deep runs at the biggest tournaments, with inconsistency plaguing his performances.
Where He Is Now (2025)
A year later, Zverev’s trajectory depends on whether he has been able to recapture his peak form. If he has remained healthy and consistent, he could be a strong Grand Slam contender once again. His powerful serve and aggressive baseline play make him a threat on any surface, but mental lapses have sometimes held him back. If he has overcome those hurdles, he could be a key player in the race for the No. 1 ranking.
Final Thoughts
The past year has brought shifts in the balance of power in men’s tennis. Djokovic remains a legend, but younger stars like Alcaraz and Sinner are proving they belong at the top. Meanwhile, Zverev continues his battle to regain his best form. With more competition and new rivalries forming, 2025 promises to be anot
her thrilling year for tennis fans worldwide.
