Tennis has long been a sport defined by evolution on the court, in technology, and in the athletes who dedicate their lives to it. The 2024 ATP season marked another year of thrilling matches and record-breaking feats. The year also marks a poignant chapter in the sport’s history as some of the sport’s long-lasting stars bid farewell to their professional careers.
This year highlighted a generational shift as stars who have bridged the past and future of tennis while reshaping the sport have stepped back from competition play, leaving behind legacies that will inspire generations to come.
Their departure underscores the transient nature of sports and the inevitability of change and celebrates their relentless pursuit of excellence across multiple fronts. This article details ATP Stars who dropped the racket professionally this season while detailing their impressive careers.
Andy Murray
British tennis legend Andy Murray is one of the greatest players of his generation. During the dominance of “the Big Three,” Murray claimed three Grand Slam titles (two at Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016) and one at the US Open (2012). He spent 41 weeks as World No. 1 and won back-to-back Olympic singles gold medals in 2012 and 2016.
Over his career, he secured 46 singles titles and three doubles titles, including the 2016 ATP Finals trophy. Despite battling hip injuries that significantly affected his later years, Murray continued competing at the top level till his retirement in 2024.
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal was mostly called “King of Clay,” for his lasting achievements at Rolland Garros. His 14 French Open titles remain an unparalleled achievement, with a record of 112 wins and only three losses on Parisian clay.
Overall, Nadal captured 22 Grand Slam singles titles and 92 ATP singles trophies, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Nadal dominated the sport for nearly two decades, particularly on clay courts. Though persistent injuries curtailed his later years, Nadal’s impact on the sport extends far beyond statistics. He retired in 2024 at the Davis Cup, concluding one of the most remarkable careers in tennis.
OTHERS
Attila Balazs
Hungarian player Attila Balazs turned professional in 2006 and achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 76 in March 2020.
Balazs was known for his exceptional clay-court skills, highlighted by a run to the ATP 250 final in Umag in 2019, a result that cemented his place on the Tour. Despite injuries hampering his consistency, Balazs remained an inspiration for Hungarian tennis, showcasing perseverance throughout his career. He announced his retirement in February 2024.
Dustin Brown
Jamaican-German player Dustin Brown joined the ATP Tour in 2002. He reached a career-best singles ranking of No. 64 in 2016 and a doubles peak of No. 43 in 2012.
Brown captured two ATP doubles titles and left a lasting impression with iconic victories over Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014 and 2015. His electric performances made him a fan favorite, particularly at Wimbledon. He retired in 2024 after more than two decades on the professional tour.
Federico Delbonis
Argentinian player Federico Delbonis turned professional in 2007 and became a key figure in Argentina’s tennis landscape. He won two ATP singles titles, including his maiden victory at the 2014 BMW Open in Munich, and added two doubles titles to his achievements.
Delbonis played a crucial role in Argentina’s historic 2016 Davis Cup triumph, winning important matches that brought the country its first-ever title. His final appearance came in January 2024 at the Argentina Open, where he bid farewell in front of his home fans.
Steve Johnson
American Steve Johnson was a dominant collegiate player before turning pro. He transitioned seamlessly to the ATP Tour and became a four-time ATP singles title winner, reaching a career-high singles ranking of No. 21 in 2016.
Johnson won a bronze medal in doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics alongside Jack Sock. He retired after his final appearance at the 2024 Indian Wells.
Dominic Thiem
Thiem reached a career-high ranking of World No. 3 in March 2020 and became the first Austrian to win a Grand Slam singles title in 25 years when he won Alexander Zverev at the 2020 US Open final.
He also reached three other major finals and won 17 ATP singles titles. Despite a career interrupted by injuries, Thiem’s impact on the sport and his contributions to Austrian tennis remains profound. He retired in 2024 at the age of 31.
Donald Young
American player Donald Young called time on his career this year. The African-American star began his career as a highly touted junior, reaching the fourth round of the US Open twice in singles and enjoying success in the doubles later in his career.
Young reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 38 and achieved a notable doubles run at the 2024 US Open, where he and Taylor Townsend reached the mixed doubles final. While his career was a mix of promise and challenges, he remained a well-respected figure in American tennis.
Prajnesh Gunneswaran
Indian’s Prajnesh Gunneswaran joined the ATP Tour in 2010 and reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 75 in April 2019. He represented his country in Davis Cup ties and played in several other major tournaments.
His persistent wrist injuries cut short his career, but his achievements paved the way for young Indian players aspiring to succeed on the global stage. Gunneswaran retired in 2024 at the age of 35.
Tatsuma Ito
Japan’s Tatsuma Ito enjoyed a solid career on the ATP Tour, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 60 in 2012. While he did not secure an ATP title, he won 7 challenger tournaments. His notable victory over Stan Wawrinka remains one of the highlights of his career. He retired at 36 in April 2024.
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi
Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned over two decades. He featured in more than 750 ATP matches and captured 18 doubles titles.
His career-high doubles ranking of World No. 8 in 2011 highlighted his impact on the global stage. Qureshi remains Pakistan’s most successful tennis player and the only one to reach a Grand Slam final, having contested the men’s and mixed doubles finals at the 2010 US Open. He called time to his career in February 2024 at the age of 44.
Roman Jebavy
Czech doubles specialist Roman Jebavy achieved significant success on the ATP Tour, winning four doubles titles. He was consistent in ATP doubles events and his final match came in August 2024 at the Svijany Open, where he partnered with compatriot Jiri Vesely.
Pablo Cuevas
Uruguayan tennis star Pablo Cuevas spent two decades on the ATP Tour, earning a reputation as one of the best clay-court players of his generation. He reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 19 in 2016 and won six ATP singles titles, including back-to-back victories in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
Cuevas also excelled in doubles, winning the 2008 Roland Garros title alongside Luis Horna. He announced his retirement in September 2024 after his final appearance at the US Open.
Wesley Koolhof
Dutch doubles ace Wesley Koolhof enjoyed an illustrious career which was highlighted by achieving the world No. 1 ranking in doubles in 2022.
Koolhof won 19 ATP doubles titles, including the 2022 ATP Finals with Nikola Mektic and his sole Grand Slam victory at Wimbledon in 2023 alongside Neal Skupski. He thrived under pressure and was one of the most consistent and admired doubles players of his generation. Koolhof retired in late 2024 after contributing to the Netherlands’ Davis Cup success.
Ryan Harrison
American Ryan Harrison found success in both singles and doubles, reaching a career-high singles ranking of No. 40 in 2017. He achieved his greatest triumph in doubles by winning the 2017 French Open title alongside Michael Venus.
Harrison also won the ATP 250 singles title in Memphis in 2017l. He also represented the United States in Davis Cup competitions. He retired in January 2024.
Ben McLachlan
Doubles specialist Ben McLachlan was born in New Zealand but representing Japan. He announced his retirement in April 2024 at the age of 32. McLachlan won seven ATP doubles titles throughout his career, including semi-final appearances at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Ivo Karlovic
Karlovic reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 14 in 2008 and collected eight singles titles over his illustrious career. He holds several records, including being the oldest player to win an ATP match in the Open Era. His longevity and unique style made him a standout figure on the ATP Tour. He retired officially in February 2024 at the age of 45.
Philipp Oswald
Austrian doubles specialist Philipp Oswald reached a career-high doubles ranking of No. 31 in 2021. He retired in July 2024 at the Generali Open in Kitzbühel with a career that has claimed 11 ATP doubles titles
John Millman
Australia’s John Millman announced his retirement after the 2024 season. He has a career-best singles ranking of No. 33 after one of his biggest achievements in 2018 (winning Roger Federer at the US Open to reach the quarterfinals).
Millman won his only ATP singles title at the Astana Open in 2020 and was a vital figure for Australia in Davis Cup and Olympic competitions.
Lukas Rosol
Lukas Rosol made a name for himself in World tennis by achieving a career-high singles ranking of No. 26 in 2014. He won two ATP singles titles, including a famous triumph at the 2013 Bucharest Open.
Rosol also earned success in doubles, winning three titles. In 2012, he made a long-lasting impression on the sport by stunning Rafael Nadal in a five-set thriller at Wimbledon. He retired in April 2024.
João Sousa
Portugal’s João Sousa retires as the most successful Portuguese tennis player in history. He claimed four ATP singles titles, including victories in Kuala Lumpur and Valencia, and reached a career-high ranking of No. 28 in 2016.
Sousa holds the record for most singles wins by a Portuguese player at Grand Slam tournaments. His retirement at the Estoril Open in 2024 marked the end of a career that elevated the Portuguese tennis scene.
Artem Sitak
New Zealand’s Artem Sitak turned professional in 2001 and reached a career-high doubles ranking of No. 32 in 2018. Over his career, he has won five ATP doubles titles. He was a key representative of New Zealand in Davis Cup competitions.
He retired in January 2024 and hosted an emotional farewell at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Filip Krajinovic
Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 26 in 2018 and made a name for himself with deep runs in ATP tournaments.
Though he fell short of winning an ATP title, his consistent performances kept him competitive on the Tours. His final appearance was in the 2024 US Open.
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