Jannik Sinner impressed throughout 2024 as he established himself as the top player in men’s tennis.
The Italian number one begun the year as someone that had not yet fulfilled their very evident potential on the ATP Tour.
It didn’t take long for that to change, however, as Sinner won the Australian Open in January, taking home his maiden Grand Slam title.
Sinner then won the US Open in September as the 23-year-old doubled his Major tally with a win over Taylor Fritz in New York.
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
He also added three Masters 1000 titles to his collection, and took home the ATP Finals in November, as he rounded off an excellent year that saw him reach world number one.
If that wasn’t enough, Sinner then led Italy to the Davis Cup, as he helped his country defend the title that they won in 2023.
It was a year full of titles and awards for the young Italian, one of which, a former top-ten ATP star wasn’t expecting Sinner to receive.
John Isner surprised as ‘polarizing’ Jannik Sinner wins ATP Fans’ Favorite award
Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, former Miami Open champion John Isner explained why he was surprised to see Sinner win the ATP Fans’ Favorite award.
“I am a little bit surprised,” he said.
“It’s not because of his personality but his 2024 was a bit polarizing, some stuff went on with him with the positive test he was cleared of.
“A lot of people weren’t fans of that.
“So I thought that could have hurt him a bit as far as fan favourite goes but apparently it didn’t, so kudus to him.”
Sinner could yet receive a ban from tennis, with an appeal set to take place during the new year.
Isner’s co-host Sam Querrey wasn’t quite so surprised by the news, as he expected fans to recognize the Italian for his excellent 2024 season.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
“I am not surprised,” he said.
“He is number one in the world.
“He had one of the greatest seasons ever, but [Carlos] Alcaraz does seem like he has maybe a little more personality so that’s why I thought Alcaraz would have won fan favourite.”
Is Jannik Sinner more popular than Carlos Alcaraz?
There are few players more popular on the ATP Tour than Alcaraz, thanks to his thrilling all-action style and personable nature.
That being said, the Spaniard hasn’t yet won the ATP Fans’ Favorite award during his time on tour, whilst Sinner has now won in both 2023, and 2024.
The likes of Isner may find it hard to believe that Sinner is more popular than his rival Alcaraz, but looking at their popularity online, is it surprising?
Instagram followersCarlos Alcaraz – 6.3 millionJannik Sinner – 3 millionTwitter (X) followers Carlos Alcaraz – 839,600 followersJannik Sinner – 275,300 followers
Alcaraz has more than doubles Sinner’s followers on two of the biggest social media platforms, as his popularity shines through.
How interested people are in the pair, however, is a much tighter affair.
Throughout 2024, the google search results for ‘Jannik Sinner’, and ‘Carlos Alcaraz’ have been pretty much neck and neck, allowing for several clear spikes during their respective Grand Slam triumphs.
On average, the 23-year-old Italian just about edged his rival, as he became one of the most searched athletes in world sport this season.
Perhaps that helps explain how Sinner received the Fans’ Favorite award this time around, as the now-two time Major winner became a household name in 2024.
Sinner and Alcaraz will return to action at the Australian Open which begins on January 12.
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