Five players who made biggest jumps in ATP rankings in 2024

As the 2024 ATP season concludes, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the significant players who have made notable impacts in the men's circuit.  The depth in men’s tennis means no player can take their position for granted. Throughout much of the season, the ATP rankings appeared to be in constant flux, only stabilizing upon the conclusion of the season.

The ATP rankings serve as a concrete measure for evaluating the hierarchy within men's tennis. The 2024 season witnessed seismic upsets and the ushering in of unexpected players into the spotlight.

Introducing five distinguished players who have advanced significantly beyond their competitors, achieving the most remarkable increases in the ATP rankings in 2024. The soaring rankings are indicative of their performances.

Jack Draper (No. 61 to No. 15)

The left-handed player from Sutton has ascended a notable 46 positions in the ATP rankings, moving from No. 61 at the start of the year to No. 15 by the conclusion of the 2024 season, leaving a significant mark in the tennis world. 

Jack Draper has ascended to the position of British No. 1, succeeding Cameron Norrie. The 22-year-old rose through the ranks due to an impressive summer performance. Draper's strong performance in the latter part of the season earned him two ATP-level titles in Stuttgart and Vienna. 

Securing victory at the Boss Open in Stuttgart marked the British player's first ATP title. He also advanced to the semifinals at the US Open and achieved a notable victory over World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz at Queen's in London.

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (No. 205 to No. 31)

Standing at a towering 6’8” and with an overpowering serve, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard cleared his way through the field to conclude the year as the ATP No. #31. The ascent from position No. #205 in January 2024 was truly noteworthy.

Perricard achieved a significant victory in Lyon, on his home ground, marking his inaugural win on the ATP tour. Following his victory at the Open Parc as a wildcard, the French player continued his success by winning the Swiss Indoors Basel despite being unseeded. The 21-year-old Perricard achieved the most notable victory of his career by defeating fourth seed Holger Rune and eighth seed Ben Shelton.

Perricard jumped a not-too-shabby 174 ranking places in 2024. He achieved his inaugural Grand Slam match victory at Wimbledon by defeating Seb Korda in the first round, ultimately advancing to the round of 16, where he was eliminated by Lorenzo Musetti.

Jakub Mensik (No. 167 to No. 48)

Jakub Mensik broke into the top 50 in the ATP rankings to finish the season ranked No. #48. The Czech teenager, who began the season ranked No. #167, made his inaugural ATP Final appearance in Doha. Mensik eliminated Andy Murray and Andrey Rublev from the competition along the way.

On making his first tour final, Mensik broke into the top 100 in the ATP rankings. He subsequently achieved a quarter-final appearance at the Shanghai Masters, where he secured his second victory of the season against Andrey Rublev and triumphed over Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round.

Kei Nishikori (No. 352 to No. 105)

Japanese veteran and 2014 US Open finalist Kei Nishikori concluded the 2024 season ranked just outside the top 100, at No. 106. Nishikori reached the quarterfinals in two major tournaments this year: the ATP Masters in Canada and the Japan Open held in Tokyo.

Nishikori has returned victorious twice at his home event, tasting victory in 2012 and 2014. Achieving the Challenger title in Helsinki contributed to Nishikori's resurgence, allowing him to climb from a season-low ranking of No. 576 in August to No. 105 by November.

Joao Fonseca (No. 730 to No. 145)

The rise of Joao Fonseca in 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Fonseca, an 18-year-old hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has ascended 590 positions since the commencement of the season. Fonseca achieved a significant milestone on his home ground by defeating Arthur Fils and Cristian Garin, thereby securing a place in the semi-finals of the Rio Open. He was competing as a wild card in Rio and was ranked No. #655 in the world. 

A quarter-final appearance in Bucharest was soon succeeded by a maiden Masters victory in Madrid. Fonseca triumphed over fellow Next Gen competitor Alex Michelsen in the first round in the Spanish capital.

Cover Credits - Tennis.com