The quicksilver quick study will enter 2025 with valuable experience and burgeoning confidence.

The Spaniard won all of his matches against the Italian in 2024, but looks up to him in the rankings.

His love for the game protected him from growing cynical or jaded, even after his body was pommeled by one injury after another.

The 27-year-old “has been unlucky,” says Brad Gilbert, “but despite that he’s also been very consistent.”

Since the Olympics, the Czech tennis savant has not lost a completed match to a player outside the Top 10.