Tennis Stars with the Most to Prove in 2025

In this issue: Which WTA and ATP players have the most to prove in 2025? | The whining weary play for pay. | How to create coffee house ambiance at home.

Dec 19, 2024

The 2025 tennis season is a few weeks away, and some players will have more to prove than others. The door could be closing on Novak Djokovic’s chances of setting the record for most Major titles. Iga Swiatek has a new coach, but can she regain her dominance? Can Carlos Alcaraz reclaim the No. 1 ranking from sizzling Jannik Sinner? Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka finished 2024 with two Grand Slam titles and at No. 1. But can they keep it going in 2025?

None of those players are on this list. Except for Naomi Osaka, the players with the most to prove in 2025 haven’t won multiple Major titles or reached No. 1. The list also doesn’t include players returning from injury.

This list is about meeting expectations and includes players under pressure to elevate their game, win a Grand Slam, or make a run at the No. 1. The following are the tennis stars with the most to prove in 2025.

Emma Raducanu (21-13)

“I’d say that was a bit of a turning point where I was just like: ‘OK, next year, what do I want for myself?’” Raducanu said that to reporters at the LTA National Tennis Centre earlier this month. But that quote could apply to her 2022 and 2023 seasons. She’s been at “a bit of a turning point” for three years.

In 2025, Raducanu has to produce more results than explanations. She largely climbed the rankings in 2024 due to wildcard entries. The wildcards could start drying up. She hired a new trainer. Great. She says she’s committed to playing more. Awesome. In 2025, Raducanu has to prove she can string together more than a three-match winning streak.

Frances Tiafoe (32-26)

Tiafoe is the third-highest-ranked American on the ATP Tour. Although he’s made a name for himself, he’s reaching his late 20s, the put-up or shut-up point in his career. The competition is going to get younger, stronger, and faster. Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will grow more confident. Tiafoe must prove he’s good for more than an occasional electrifying five-setter. He won zero titles in 2024. He needs to win tournaments, even if it’s a sub-500. Otherwise, he remains that worthy opponent with little chance of winning a Major title.

Ben Shelton (42-26)

Shelton is only four years younger than Tiafoe. However, Shelton turned pro in 2022 and Tiafoe in 2015. So, Shelton hasn’t reached that pivotal moment in his career. However, he’s no longer the newbie. Ranked No. 21, Shelton has a big serve, powerful forehand, and great touch at the net. But he lacks consistency and focus. Under pressure, he makes questionable shot selection. Yet, his game is more technically sound than Tiafoe’s. He needs to fix his often inexplicable unforced errors. Shelton must prove he deserves to be mentioned as a legit challenger to Alcaraz and Sinner.

Naomi Osaka (28-18)

Osaka has four Major titles, so it’s hard to say she has to prove herself. But 2025 will be her second year back from maternity leave. Serena Williams, in her late 30s during a post-pregnancy run, reached four Grand Slam finals. Osaka hasn’t even advanced to the quarterfinals. With a year of adjusting to motherhood, more matches under her belt, and a higher ranking, 2025 could be the year Osaka returns.

Osaka is ranked No. 58, one spot behind Raducanu. In 2025, she needs to prove that her best tennis is not in the past.

Taylor Fritz (53-23)

With American men’s tennis longing for dominance at the top, Fritz must demonstrate his mental fortitude, adaptability, and killer instinct to challenge the sport’s elite and lead the resurgence of U.S. men’s tennis.

Reaching the final of the U.S. Open was a breakthrough for Fritz and American men’s tennis. He backed up that run by reaching the final of the ATP Finals. The next step is winning a Major title. Now ranked No. 4, Fritz could become the next Andy Roddick or Mardy Fish. Both American men had successful careers. Only one of them is in the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Stefanos Tsitsipas (45-22)

Tsitsipas has to prove that 2024 was a speed bump in his career and not a dive into a ditch. The former No. 3 squabbled publically with his father and suffered a shocking first-round upset at the U.S. Open and a second-round loss at Wimbledon. Tsitsipas has the talent and the physical prowess needed to win a Slam. Yet he hasn’t. In 2024, he regressed.

Tsitsipas has reached two Major finals — the Australian Open (2023) and the French Open (2021). With younger stars rising and his contemporaries maintaining dominance, Tsitsipas must prove he can rekindle his intensity, sharpen his consistency, and finally seize the opportunities to cement himself as a Major title contender. Otherwise, he’ll join the would’ve, should’ve, and could’ve legends like Gael Monfils, Tomas Berdych, and Fernando Verdasco.

Holger Rune (45-23)

Holger Rune enters the 2025 season with much to prove after a turbulent 2024 campaign that saw flashes of brilliance but lackluster results. Rune lost in the first round at the U.S. Open, the second round at the Australian Open, and in the round of 16 at Wimbledon and Roland Garros.

As one of the ATP’s most promising young stars, Rune must demonstrate he can handle the pressure of expectations, deliver deep runs at Grand Slam tournaments, and regain a spot in the Top 5. With questions about his mental resilience, 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity for Rune to transition from a rising talent to a legitimate title contender.

Coco Gauff (54-17)

While winning the WTA Final was a confidence booster, in 2025 Coco Gauff has to prove she can defeat Sabalenka and Swiatek regularly. She must bring consistency to her erratic forehand and serve to do this. Gauff’s defense is next level. She’s reached a career-high No. 2. To have any chance at capturing the No. 1 ranking in 2025, Gauff has to prove she’s a threat on offense. Her forehand has been such a liability that opponents attack it nonstop. Unlike Tsitsipas, Shelton, and Tiafoe, Gauff has the mental metal. She lacks offensive weapons.

Alexander Zverev (69-21)

Zverev has won two ATP Finals (2018 and 2021), an Olympic Gold Medal (2021), and reached two Grand Slam finals, including the French Open in 2024. Yet he hasn’t won a Major title or claimed No. 1.

Zverev turns 28 in April. He was once one of the “Next Gen” players who would challenge the Big 3. Instead, Zverev found himself mired in an off-court scandal. He is sitting at No. 2, his career high. Overtaking Sinner at No. 1 will be difficult, but it’s probably not Zverev’s No. 1 priority. Winning a Major transforms his career from good to great. It’s the only thing left for Zverev to prove.

The Whining Weary Play for Pay

Poster for the World Tennis League exhibition in Abu Dhabi. | WTL

Alcaraz complained about the long season. So did Sabalenka. Yet both played in exhibitions during the offseason. I’ve seen so many top players playing this "offseason," that they need to call it the preseason.

Sabalenka joined Barbora Krejcikova, Jasmine Paolini, Swiatek, Mirra Andreeva, Elena Rybakina, Paula Badosa, Caroline Garcia, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Fritz, Hurkacz, Casper Ruud, Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios in the World Tennis League exhibition in Abu Dhabi this week.

Wait, Swiatek? Not sound-the-alarm-our-season-is-too-long Iga? " Yes, the same player who said, "Obviously, it is not our decision, but for sure, I think we have too many tournaments in the season. It's not going to end well."

Rublev, Gael Monfils, Alex de Minaur, Denis Shapovalov, and Holger Rune were among the players who participated in the UTS Grand Final in London. De Minaur defeated Rune 14-8, 14-11, 16-10 to win the title. De Minaur struggled with a hip injury throughout the last part of the season. So much for get well soon.

In early December, Frances Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz joined Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys for an exhibition in Charlotte, North Carolina. Stephens and Keys didn't play in the Billie Jean King Cup.

I have no problem with players grabbing some extra cash. But many of these players are the same ones whining about the grueling season and lack of time off. Even Billie Jean King recognized the hypocrisy.

"It's so interesting how they always complain it's too much," King said. "They've been doing this forever by the way – but then they get a month off and they go play exhibitions. I go really? You guys said you needed the rest. Don't tell me you think the season is too long. I know if there's enough money you go and you play. It's a really tough argument for me to listen to the players."

Create Cozy Coffee House Ambiance at Home

Courtside Coffee’s Curated Coffee House Playlists

Whether writing or chillin’, I love hanging out in coffee shops. It’s more than the mocha or latte. I’ve had a coffee bar for years, so I can make espresso drinks whenever I like. However, you need natural light and cafe music to recreate the coffee house vibe.

I started using cafe ambiance during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Locked down and without access to my favorite coffee shops, I worked to recreate the coffee house atmosphere at home. I pulled back the curtains and opened all the blinds, flushing the dining house with natural light. Then, I added cafe music and scenery on a large-screen TV. The following are my favorite coffee house ambiance playlists.

Cafe Music BGM

Cafe Music BGM channel is a brand produced by Singapore-based record label BGMC featuring a band with four members: pianist, guitarist, bassist, and drummer. The channel plays original songs composed by band members.

Surf through BGMC’s many playlists, ranging from smooth jazz to sexy bossa nova, categorized by time of day or functions, such as work and study. It’s mostly Muzak-like but provides hours of commercial-free music.

Candy Music Room

My favorite thing about the Candy Music Room is that the videos include white noise, cafe chatter, and the sound of an espresso machine. Choose from beachside cafes to urban bookstores. You can even select weekend or holiday-themed scenes. I chose the bookstore videos for when I’m reading and enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.

Classic Cafe

Like Cafe BGM, Classic Cafe features videos that evoke different moods. I love the Cafe Espresso, an Italian cafe scene with relaxing piano jazz. This is ideal for reading or light housework.

Soft Coffee House

Another piano jazz channel, Soft Coffee House rotates different scenes in the videos. Some of the scenes are tongue and cheek, and can even be distracting. But the music offers the standard coffee shop sound.

JazzRadio.Com

Jazz Radio is a website that features various channels and sub-genres. Unlike the other channels mentioned, Jazz Radio does not come with video and plays on your phone or computer. Another difference is the music is from well-known artists, including jazz greats like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Pat Metheny, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Each station has a unique vibe. I enjoy the Paris Cafe during breakfast or brunch and the Hard Bop for household chores. I listen to Jazz Hop, a modern confluence of jazzy sounds with hip-hop beats on weekends. I prefer the BeBop station when writing. There’s even a Dave Koz channel.

The station is free with commercials. Paid subscriptions give you commercial-free music.

Services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music have coffee house playlists. There are also folk music and alternative coffee house music playlists.

Do you have a favorite playlist or channel you use to create the coffee house atmosphere at home? If so, please leave a link in the comments.