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In an impressive showcase of tennis excellence, Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have been named the 2023 International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Champions. This prestigious recognition comes after their remarkable performances in Grand Slam tournaments throughout the season, where both players consistently reached at least the semifinals in each of the four majors.
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Novak Djokovic, a titan of the tennis world, not only finished the year as the top-ranked player in the ATP rankings but also extended his record to an eighth time at that spot. His 2023 season was stellar, marked by victories in three Grand Slam tournaments – the Australian Open, French Open, and U.S. Open. These triumphs increased his total Grand Slam trophy count to an impressive 24, the most by any male player. Djokovic's exceptional year also included a runner-up finish at Wimbledon, contributing to his overall record of 56 wins and just 7 losses. He led the men’s tour with seven titles, underlining his dominance in the sport. This year marks Djokovic's eighth time receiving the ITF World Champion award, setting yet another record in his illustrious career.
On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka was recognized as the ITF World Champion for the first time, a milestone in her ascending career. She clinched her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and was a finalist at the U.S. Open. Additionally, Sabalenka reached the semifinals in both the French Open and Wimbledon, showcasing her versatility and strength across different surfaces. Her achievements in 2023 earned her the debut spot as No. 1 in the WTA rankings in September, though she concluded the year as the world No. 2, behind WTA Player of the Year Iga Swiatek.
The ITF also honored other outstanding players across various categories. In women’s doubles, Storm Hunter and Elise Mertens were recognized as the champions, while Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury claimed the title in men’s doubles. The wheelchair categories saw Diede de Groot, Alfie Hewett, and Niels Vink being honored in the women's, men's, and quad wheelchair categories, respectively. The junior categories celebrated Alina Korneeva and Joao Fonseca for their exceptional performances.
The ITF World Champion selections give particular weight to achievements in Grand Slam events and ITF international team competitions, recognizing players who have excelled in the most prestigious tournaments of the year. This emphasis on the major tournaments reflects the importance of these events in the tennis calendar, serving as benchmarks for the highest level of skill and competition in the sport.
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