• Sinner’s historic season. It was a historic season for Jannik Sinner, who rose to world No. 1 in the ATP Rankings and won eight trophies, including his first two major titles - the Australian and US Open. Across 79 matches this year, the 23-year-old Italian also achieved a feat previously accomplished only by Swiss legend Roger Federer back in 2005, i.e., he never lost in straight sets. Sinner, who finished 2024 with a 73-6 win-loss record, and Federer are the only players in the Open Era to achieve this feat (minimum 20 matches played).

• Whatever we can catch, we take, and the rest we learn. After winning the season-ending ATP Finals, his eighth title of the year, Sinner said, “This year, there was no specific goal of winning a Grand Slam or being No. 1 or whatever. It’s going to be the same next year. Whatever we can catch, we take, and the rest we learn.” In 2005, Federer had a 81-4 record. He also won two major titles that year.

Photo Credit: © Robert Deutsch / USA TODAY NETWORK

• The last challenge. Juan Martin del Potro will play Novak Djokovic in a ‘goodbye’ match titled ‘The Last Challenge’ in front of his home crowd in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 1. “I want to arrive at that match in the best possible shape. It’s a match to say goodbye. Djokovic was generous in accepting my invitation. If at least for one, two or three hours I can be in peace and happy on court, it will be beautiful,” said Del Potro.

• A future with some quality of life. In a post on social media, the former world No. 3 and US Open champion, who retired in 2022, also talked about how he’s coped with injuries in recent years. Del Potro spoke about the difficulties of day-to-day life, the limitations imposed by a battle-weary body and a desire as simple as it is valuable: to be able to look forward to a future with some quality of life.

• One final chapter in the Djokovic-Murray story. The recently retired Andy Murray is going to coach longtime rival Novak Djokovic. Taking to social media to announce the news, Djokovic said, “We played each other since we were boys - 25 years of being rivals, pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles. They called us game-changers, risk-takers, history-makers. I thought our story may be over. Turns out, it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome on board, Coach - Andy Murray.”

• Murray is excited to spend time on the same side of the net as Djokovic. “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the offseason, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. I’m excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals,” Murray said in a statement released by his management team.

• It only takes everything. As Rafael Nadal bid goodbye to professional tennis, his long-time sponsor Nike dedicated a beautiful video to one of its most iconic stars. In a social media post, Nike said, “No one has given more to their sport. Or left it all on the court every single time. @RafaelNadal, you showed us what it takes to be the greatest. It only takes everything.” Nike has also updated its social media profile image to Nadal’s iconic bull logo. The Spanish legend has been a Nike athlete since he was 13 years old.

• A special T-shirt to honour Nadal’s career. Nike has created a special T-shirt to honour Nadal’s incredible career. The front features Nadal’s photo, while the back reads: It Only Takes Everything. Top players of the past and present like Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Aryna Sabalenka, Karen Khachanov, Bianca Andreescu and Lorenzo Musetti have already been spotted wearing theirs.

• A career most won’t dare to dream of. For Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal was an inspiration. In a social media post, she said, “Congratulations on a career that most won’t dare to dream of. I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being great. You inspired me to be better, to play harder, for fight, to never give up, and to win more. No excuses just play the sport. Your legacy will never die. Wow, to see your career from the beginning to today was an honour, champ! Long live Rafa!”

• This isn’t a retirement, right? You’re moving on! Accompanying her heartfelt caption, Williams filmed a video wearing a Nike T-shirt and a matching bandana with Nadal’s logo and likeness. “Got my Rafa gear together,” she said, adding, “Got it Rafa tight. We’re gonna always love you, we’re gonna always miss you. But let’s go. This isn’t a retirement, right? You’re moving on!”