Struff Losing at the ATP stuttgart final, source : Tagesschau
They have been competing for several seasons now, taking part in the biggest tournaments, challenging the very best on a regular basis and sometimes even pulling off unexpected achievements.
Their names are probably familiar to you, and yet there's a good chance that their common denominator remains unknown to many of the tennis fans : They have never won a title on the ATP circuit
In an increasingly crowded circuit, marked by the arrival of new talent and the retention of old legends at the highest level, some players have been struggling to make their mark.
They've dreamed of it, trained hard for it and for most of them even missed it by a few points, however, these talented players can only face the harsh reality : so far, their trophy shelf is empty.
Spotlight on 3 top players who have yet to open a bottle of champagne in front of a cheering crowd.
Jean Lenard Struff (Best ranking 21st)
Struff defeating Casper Ruud at Monte Carlo, Credit : Tennis TV
Hard to believe that a player of this calibre, who has, moreover played on the main circuit for almost 10 years, still hasn't won a single title.
Jean Lenard Struff may not be an example of consistency, occasionally going through phases where results are lacking, but his talent is real.
With his aggressive tennis style based on powerful strokes, Struff is an extremely dangerous player for the entire ATP Tour.
Three-time finalist on the main tour, the German came really close to his first title last season in Stuttgart, before losing out to Frances Tiafoe in one of the 2023 thrillers.
Having beaten members of the top 10 at numerous times in his career, the 6'4" giant is probably the best non-titled player of the circuit.
Will 2024 finally be the year? While the situation may seem hopeless for the oldest player in this top ranking, Struff's 2023 season and, in particular, his performance at the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 suggest that the 33-year-old German is more than capable of finally winning a trophy. As a clay-court performer, the current world No. 25 will most probably win his first trophy on this surface.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (Best ranking 21st)
Fokina playing his best tennis against Djokovic, Credit : TennisTv
Although the Spaniards just turned 24 and has only been on the ATP circuit for 4 years, his lack of titles remains difficult to understand given his talent.
Brilliant on the junior circuit, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina's talent quickly became apparent on the main tour.
Quarter-finalist at Roland Garros in 2021, finalist at the Monte Carlo master 1000 the following season, Fokina has already made some big waves on the ATP tour.
Although the young Spaniard seems to be a gifted tennis player, his irregularity severely affects his progress towards the very top.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina playing his best tennis probably has nothing to envy to the top 10, however reproducing week after week, match after match or even set after set such a level of play requires a certain experience and maturity that the Spanish player may not yet possess.
Will 2024 finally be the year? As the youngest player in this ranking, there is no doubt that the Malaga native will win his first trophy sooner or later.
Having put in some outstanding performances on hardcourts in 2023, Davidovich Fokina has certainly built up his confidence on this surface.
Why not start the season with a pleasant surprise on the Australian tour
Botic Van de Zandschulp (Best Ranking 22nd)
Van de Zandschulp upsetting Rublev, credit : TennisTv
He led 5-2/40 -15, had four opportunities to win the match on his serve and yet, Botic Van de Zandschulp features among this ranking.
Powerful serve, aggressive style of play: on paper, Van de Zandschulp has all the weapons needed to win a title on the circuit.
Despite reaching the final of the Munich Open for two consecutive seasons, the 28-year-old never managed to lift a single trophy.
Well established in the top 50, the Dutchman has on numerous occasions triumphed over members of the top 10, and possesses a level that should logically enable him to win titles in the future.
Will 2024 finally be the year? Although his defeat in Munich remains a traumatic experience, it will hopefully enable the Dutchman to approach future finals with a different approach. Who knows, in 2024, Van de Zandschulp might finally triumph in Germany?
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