NEW YORK — The tennis major season officially ended this weekend, with Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek each winning their first US Open titles.
It was the first of likely many Grand Slam trophies for Alcaraz, 19, and the third for the 21-year-old Swiatek. Both are now the top-ranked players in the world and widely considered the sport’s brightest emerging superstars.
This year, three men — Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic — and three women — Swiatek, Ashleigh Barty and Elena Rybakina — took home the year’s most coveted titles.
With four months before the next Grand Slam — and a slew of other tournaments, the ATP and WTA Finals, and an all-too-short offseason for the players first — it’s not too early to start guessing who will emerge victorious in 2023. While there are some players — cough, cough, Alcaraz and Swiatek — who very well could win multiple major titles next year, we are limiting each player to just one for the sake of keeping it interesting.
Australian Open
When: Jan. 16-29, 2023
Where: Melbourne, Australia
2022 champions: Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty (now retired)
Men’s winner in 2023: Carlos Alcaraz
After Alcaraz’s monumental run in New York and rapid ascension to the world No. 1 ranking, he has to be the favorite for the year’s first Grand Slam, especially after proving just how good he can be on hard court.
Throughout the past two weeks, Alcaraz displayed his mind-blowing athleticism and mental toughness and proved no lead to be too insurmountable — and no rally too challenging. While many players have struggled after winning their first major, Alcaraz has never seemed to have trouble with pressure or attention. Expect more titles for Alcaraz in 2023, starting Down Under in January.
Women’s winner in 2023: Coco Gauff
Since she burst onto the scene at 15 in 2019, it has seemed all but inevitable that Gauff would one day become a major champion. She came close in 2022, reaching the final at Roland Garros and the quarterfinals at the US Open, and she seems poised for her ultimate breakthrough in 2023. Now in the top 10 for the first time in her career, and with her game continuing to improve, Melbourne feels like the perfect place for her maiden major title.
French Open
When: May 28-June 11, 2023
Where: Paris
Defending champions: Rafael Nadal…
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