2023: Proving it Wasn’t a Fluke

I’m very excited for the 2023 season to further unfold because this is the year that two of my favorite phenoms, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, can prove that they have what it takes to stay at the top of the game. I think the parallels between these two players are super interesting. Both are the current world number ones, both won the US Open, both have the best forehand on their respective tour, both are young players, and both are frequently brought up in the same vein as Rafael Nadal. The most interesting parallel, however, is that neither player found the results they wanted at this year’s Australian Open.

Alcaraz was unable to attend the event due to injury, disappointing tennis fans around the globe. In his absence, Novak Djokovic seized a 21st Grand Slam title with ease. The injury is most likely caused by Alcaraz’s extremely physical playstyle, which many have worried would indeed lead to injuries for the young player. Fortunately, he is making a return at the Rio Open—but it is unclear whether or not he will alter his playstyle to protect his body.

Swiatek’s case is different. The young Pole already has three Grand Slam titles to her name and has been a top ten mainstay for quite a while. The difference between then and now is a 37-match-long winning streak. With that dominant stretch under her belt, there is more pressure on Swiatek to remain as the dominant force on the WTA tour—although competition is already rising in the form of Rybakina (who has beaten her at the Australian Open and the World Tennis League), Krejcikova (who beat her in Ostrava), and Sabalenka (who beat her in the WTA Finals).

Both of these young talents have a big obligation this year. They’ve shown they have the ability to rise to the top of the game—meteorically—but can they stay there? It seems that Alcaraz will have to learn to play more conservatively to prevent injuries in the future, and Swiatek will have to learn to beat players with a myriad of different playstyles who are looking to claim her spot. Can these young players stay dominant? It will be an interesting season to watch.