5 most interesting storylines to follow in the 2025 ATP season ft. Novak Djokovic's Slam No. 25 hunt, Ben Shelton making American history
The 2024 season had plenty of memorable storylines, with Novak Djokovic's triumph at the Paris Olympics being one of the highlights. It was no secret how badly he craved that gold medal, and he was finally able to capture the only missing piece from his long list of achievements.
The sport also bid goodbye to 22-time Major champion Rafael Nadal, who called it quits in November at the Davis Cup Finals. The rise of Jannik Sinner was another incredible story to witness, while Carlos Alcaraz further cemented his position as a top player in today's times.
With the new season on the horizon, there are some unfinished stories that will continue in the coming season as well, along with some new ones. With that in mind, here's a look at the five most interesting storylines to follow on the ATP Tour in 2025:
#5 - Alexander Zverev's pursuit of a maiden Grand Slam title
Zverev was touted as a future Slam champion since his breakthrough in 2017. Over the years he has won almost everything of note, multiple Masters 1000 titles, the ATP Finals, and an Olympic gold medal. However, Grand Slam glory has evaded him thus far.
Zverev's peers, Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev, each won a Major, both at the US Open. He lost to the Austrian in the final in New York back in 2020. With the rise of Alcaraz and Sinner, there may not be enough opportunities left for him to snag a Major title.
One cannot completely write off Zverev just yet. He had another great season in 2024. He posted a 69-21 record to finish the season at No. 2, won two Masters 1000 titles, and was the runner-up at the French Open. He led Alcaraz by two sets to one in the final before losing to him.
Even though the competition is intense, the German is still in the mix at every tournament he competes in. While his record at Wimbledon isn't that impressive, he will be a contender at the other three Majors, where he could finally taste some long overdue success.
#4 - Jannik Sinner's attempt to maintain his newly established supremacy
2024 was Sinner's year without a doubt. No player came quite close to matching his highs as he romped his way to an all-time great season. He notched up a 73-6 record, won the Australian Open and the US Open, along with six more titles. He also helped Italy defend their Davis Cup title.
Sinner also finished the season ranked atop the rankings. However, getting to the top is easy but remaining there is another matter altogether. Aside from the Big 3, only Alcaraz has managed to defend a Grand Slam title in the last 20 years. Backing up such an incredible season is not an easy task, and all eyes will be on the Italian to see how he will fare in 2025.
#3 - Ben Shelton gunning to end America's Major drought
It has been a long time since an American man laid his hands on a Major trophy. Taylor Fritz came quite close this year but fell to Sinner in the US Open final. Shelton advanced to the semifinals in New York last year, along with the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
However, Shelton couldn't make it past the fourth round of a Major this year. He has the potential, and as one of the most promising young prospects from his country, hopes are high that he will end America's long wait for a male Grand Slam winner.
Should Shelton win a Major next year, he will be the youngest American man to do so since Andy Roddick won his only Major title at the US Open 2003 as a 21-year-old. He was also the last American man to claim a Major title.
#2 - Carlos Alcaraz's quest for a Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open
Alcaraz won his maiden Major title at the US Open 2022. He captured his second title at Wimbledon the following year. He secured his third Major crown at this year's French Open, and defended his Wimbledon title a few weeks later. Having won three of the four Majors, he is now one step short of completing a career Grand Slam.
A title at the Australian Open 2025 will make Alcaraz the youngest man to achieve this feat. Nadal is the current record holder, and accomplished this with his win at the US Open 2010 at the age of 24. Having won one new Major every year since 2022, the 21-year-old could triumph in Melbourne if he continues on his current trajectory.
#1 - Novak Djokovic's goal of a historic 25th Grand Slam title
Djokovic extended his record as the all-time leader amongst men with his 24th Major title at the US Open 2023. It also helped him tie Margaret Court's tally of 24 Major titles. The Serb's quest for a 25th Major crown this year didn't yield positive results.
Djokovic's title defense at the Australian Open concluded in the semifinals with a loss to Sinner. His title defense at the French Open came to an abrupt end as he was forced to withdraw prior to the quarterfinals due to an injury. He lost to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in a rematch of last year's showdown for the title.
Djokovic couldn't defend his US Open title either, and was knocked out in the third round by Alexei Popyrin. He still has the desire to break records, and having hired Andy Murray to coach him in the lead-up to the Australian Open, he will be keen to finally get over the hump in 2025. It won't be an easy task, though he's certainly up for the challenge.