Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were honored as the International Tennis Federation’s 2023 World Champions on Thursday. After being the only singles players to reach at least the semifinals at all four Grand Slam tournaments this season. Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka Win ITF World Champion Awards.
In addition to winning the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open to increase his major title tally to a men’s-leading 24, Djokovic also placed second at Wimbledon and topped the ATP rankings for a record-breaking eighth time. With seven championships, he topped the men’s tour and finished 56-7. This is Djokovic’s eighth ITF World Champion award, which is also a record. Also read: Rafael Nadal Comeback: Tennis Arena Turns into a Boxing Ring
After winning her maiden Grand Slam championship in the Australian Open, placing second at the US Open, and advancing to the semifinals of both the French Open and Wimbledon, Sabalenka was bestowed with this honour for the first time.
She debuted at No. 1 in the WTA rankings in September. And ended the year at No. 2, just behind WTA Player of the Year Iga Swiatek. Also read: Bjorn Borg Net Worth 2024, Annual Income, Endorsements, Cars, Houses, Properties, Charities, Etc.
Speaking to ITF, the Serbian said, “It’s the crown of the season, finishing the year as No. 1 in the world,” said Djokovic. “I think it’s a dream of every tennis player. It’s one of the most difficult things to do in our sport. Winning Grand Slams and being No. 1 in the world are probably the pinnacles of the sport.”
“From winning my first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open to reaching world No. 1 for the first time, it has been an amazing year. I’m very grateful to my family, my team and my fans for their support in 2023 and I can’t wait to get back out on court for the new season in January,” said Sabalenka. Also read: Elina Svitolina Net Worth 2024, Prize Money, Endorsements,Cars, Houses, Properties, Charities, etc.
Other ITF World Champions included the following: Diede de Groot in the women’s wheelchair category, Alfie Hewett in the men’s wheelchair category, Niels Vink in the quad wheelchair category, Storm Hunter and Elise Mertens in the women’s doubles, and Alina Korneeva and Joao Fonseca in the juniors categories.
Grand Slam competitions and ITF international team competitions are given special consideration when choosing ITF World Champions. Also read: Jasmine Paolini Boyfriend, Past Relationships, Parents, Instagram and More