Bold claim: the two most beloved players on the ATP Tour are being spotlighted by Patrick Mouratoglou.
There are plenty of fan-favorites on the ATP Tour, but few rise to the level of the world No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz. Since his breakout in 2020, the Spaniard has won hearts with a dynamic style of play and a magnetic personality. The question on many minds: will Alcaraz complete the Calendar Slam in 2026, and if not, which Grand Slam might slip through his fingers?
His rival, Jannik Sinner, is also incredibly popular. Yet Mouratoglou—Serena Williams’ former coach—does not necessarily rank Sinner as the second-most-liked player after Alcaraz. In a recent Instagram post, Mouratoglou hinted there could be another tennis star with a fanbase as large, if not larger, than Sinner’s.
Patrick Mouratoglou on the tour’s most liked players
In response to a fan comment that Alcaraz might be the only player who seems to truly enjoy himself on court, Mouratoglou explained: “You’re probably right. It’s crucial for him to have fun because it helps him stay loose, relaxed, and creative. When he isn’t having fun, he tightens up, makes more unforced errors, and loses some of his creativity. It’s a key factor, though not everyone operates that way.”
“Mouratoglou also offered his take on Sinner: he’s not the type to chase fun; he’s here to dominate, to hit winners. He enjoys the game, but fun isn’t his primary objective.”
How many Grand Slam titles will Jannik Sinner win in 2026?
Mouratoglou added that Ben Shelton is another player who tends to enjoy himself on the court. “Not every moment, but most of the time,” he said, emphasizing that Shelton benefits from putting on a show. That flair to entertain is part of why Shelton and Alcaraz are among the most-watched and liked players.
Ben Shelton’s 2026 season so far
Shelton kicked off 2026 at the ASB Classic in Auckland, reaching the quarterfinals. He then impressed at the Australian Open, winning his first three matches without dropping a set. After a fourth-round win over Casper Ruud, his run ended with a loss to Sinner. He rebounded handsomely at the Dallas Open, clinching his fourth career title by defeating fellow American Taylor Fritz in the final, saving three match points along the way.
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