ATP Player of the Year Countdown: Honorable Mentions

Our ATP Player of the Year Countdown was revealed last week. Ten voters from the TENNIS.com editorial team each selected five players, with a first-place selection worth 5 points, second-place vote 4 points, and so forth. The results, and write-ups, were:

• 1\. Novak Djokovic (50 voting points)
• 2\. Carlos Alcaraz (39 voting points)
• 3\. Jannik Sinner (24 voting points)
• 4\. Daniil Medvedev (23 voting points)
• 5\. Andrey Rublev (4 voting points)

That leaves 10 votes unaccounted for—which brings us to our Honorable Mentions. Selected commentary from voters are below.

Ben Shelton (3 voting points)

The American burst onto the scene after turning pro last year, but he truly arrived in 2023. Shelton made his first Grand Slam semifinal in just his fifth main draw, and segued his momentum from New York into his maiden ATP title in Tokyo. Beginning the year at No. 96 in the rankings, he peaked at No. 15.—Stephanie Livaudais

No one enjoyed playing tennis this year more than the 21-year-old US Open semifinalist. Stardom called, and Shelton answered the phone.—Megan Fernandez

Alexander Zverev (2 voting points)

Let's not forget that prime Zverev was derailed when he tore ligaments in his right ankle at the 2022 French Open. Coming back from such an injury is difficult from an emotional, physical, nor mental perspective. Not only has he managed to compete again, but he qualified for the ATP Finals.—Liya Davidov

Tommy Paul (2 voting points)

Paul’s game is really sweet—and a welcome relief in this era of the big serve/massive forehand daily double.—Peter Bodo

Grigor Dimitrov (1 voting point)

At 33, he finished No. 14 and made a Masters 1000 final; just as important, he never stopped trying to fulfill his long-touted potential.—Steve Tignor

Gael Monfils (1 voting point)

Granted, La Monf finished a limited schedule barely above .500 (16-14). But then, he’s a beat-up 37-year-old who climbed more than 125 places to finish the year No. 74. The crowds still love tennis' pioneering showman.—Peter Bodo

Hubert Hurkacz (1 voting point)

He's on everyone’s radar, and the years to come he’ll become more of a (tennis) household name.—Liya Davidov