How the top ten on the ATP Tour seemed fifteen years ago and where they are now, along with an update on Robin Soderling

A lot has changed on the ATP Tour in the past 15 years, and most of 2009’s star-studded line up have retired from the sport.

(Back L-R) Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina, Novak Djokovic of Serbia, Andy Murray of Great Britain, Fernando Verdasco of Spain, Nikolay Davydenk...

Whilst the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz head the current ATP Tour top ten, things were a lot different 15 years ago.

Jannik Sinner of Italy (left) and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain pose for a photo together ahead of their Men's Singles Final match on day three of the Si...
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

The likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were at the peak of their powers, with the pair switching places as world number one throughout 2009.

We also saw the emergences of rising stars Juan Martin del Potro and Robin Soderling, whom fans expected big things from in the following years.

A lot has changed since then however, as we take a look at where the 2009 ATP top ten, are now.

15 years is a lot of time in tennis, and unsurprisingly, a lot has changed, especially for these ATP legends.

World number one in 2009, Federer retired in 2022 after 20 Grand Slam singles titles.

Widely considered as one of the greatest players of all time, Federer is enjoying retirement and plays a big role in the Laver Cup, an event which he helped bring to life.

Roger Federer of Team Europe looks on during Day Two of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 24, 2022 in London, England.
Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images for Laver Cup

After 22 Grand Slam trophies, Nadal is set to retire at the end of 2024.

Several injuries have plagued Nadal in recent years, and the upcoming Davis Cup will be Nadal’s last tournament as a professional.

Still going strong at 37 years old, Djokovic isn’t showing any signs of giving up yet, as he looks to extend his record of 24 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic is now playing a reduced ATP schedule, however, as the Serb plans to focus on the four Grand Slams each year.

Murray retired following defeat at the Olympics earlier this year, ending a career that saw the Brit reach world number one, and pick up three Majors.

He has hinted that he would eventually like to become a coach on the ATP Tour, so we could well be seeing more of Murray in the near future.

TOPSHOT - Britain's Andy Murray waves goodbye after playing with Britain's Daniel Evans against US' Taylor Fritz and US' Tommy Paul in their men's...
Photo by CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images

The 2009 US Open champion retired from tennis in 2022 after an impressive career that was continuously disrupted by injuries.

Del Potro attempted a comeback at the 2023 US Open, but it was too much for his body to handle, instead, the Argentine now focuses on the Del Potro Tennis Academy, based in Florida.

ATP Finals champion in 2009, Davydenko enjoyed a stellar tennis career that saw him reach a career-high of number three in the world.

The Russian retired from the sport in 2014 and now coaches kids aged 9-11 years old, including his daughter Ekaterina.

The 2003 US Open champion retired from tennis in 2012, and has remained a key figure in the sport.

The Andy Roddick Foundation takes up a lot of his time, with an aim to provide lower-income students with support, whilst he keeps tennis fans informed with his opinions on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast.

Retired professional tennis player Andy Roddick attends the 14th Annual Andy Roddick Foundation Gala at ACL Live on November 17, 2019 in Austin, Te...
Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images

Former world number five and 2008 Australian Open finalist Tsonga retired from tennis in 2022.

Tsonga has remained involved in sport and helped carry the Olympic torch en route to this year’s games in Paris.

The former world number seven is currently listed as ‘inactive’, but hasn’t played a match since 2022, after a positive test for the prohibited drug methylphenidate, which he had forgotten to renew his exemption for.

Since then Verdasco has turned to coaching, where he has helped out young Jordanian star Abdullah Shelbayh and fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

The man who shocked Nadal to reach the 2009 French Open final played his final match at just 26 years old after a lingering bout of mononucleosis.

Soderling spent time coaching compatriot Elias Ymer and captained the Swedish Davis Cup team in 2021, before stepping down from the role in 2023 due to further health complications.

Soderling’s career is one of the saddest stories on the ATP Tour.

Emerging as a true threat to Nadal on clay in 2009, to finishing his career early, just three short years later.

Mononucleosis, more commonly known as Glandular fever, shortened Soderling’s career drastically, and the Swede later revealed that he also suffered from persistent anxiety and panic attacks from 2011 onwards.

There haven’t been many updates on Soderling’s condition since he stepped down from his role as Davis Cup captain in 2023, but the 40-year-old still posts on social media from time to time and seems to be living a fairly active lifestyle.

Whether his career was short or not, it cannot be denied that Soderling made a lasting impact on tennis.

Related Posts

Top five players who have withdrawn from Paris Masters 2024

The main draw of Paris Masters 2024 will commence from Monday as top tennis stars battle for the title of the last ATP 1000 event of the season. However, some top names have already announced their withdrawal from the tournament.  Without further ado, …

Read more

Serena and Venus Williams Dazzle in Matching Silver Versace Dresses!

When they walked the red carpet at the 27th annual Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Serena and Venus Williams looked stunning. Venus,41, flaunted her toned legs in a sensual dress with waist-high side splits, while Serena,40, flaunted her curves …

Read more

Jannik Sinner’s $6 Million Payday Sparks Drama as Alexander Bublik Fires Bold Shots in Shocking Paris Masters Turn

Jannik Sinner has been unstoppable this season, dominating the tennis scene with seven title wins, including two Grand Slams, and leaving his mark in exhibition events like the Six Kings Slam. But it’s not just his winning streak that has people talking—it’s …

Read more

What ‘doesn’t seem good’ for Rennae Stubbs in reaction to the recent comments made by Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner’s recent comments about the Six Kings Slam have not gone down well with Rennae Stubbs. The Italian took part in a three-day exhibition event in Saudi Arabia along with Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev …

Read more

Jannik Sinner discusses whether he feels added pressure after becoming world number one

Jannik Sinner discusses how he feels about the pressure that comes with being the World number one. Sinner reached the summit of the men’s game for the first time in June, during his run to the French Open semi-finals. He has taken it in his stride and …

Read more

Heartfelt Moments: Jannik Sinner and Anna Kalinskaya Embrace After a Tough Loss to Carlos Alcaraz in China Open Final

Jannik Sinner’s bid to successfully defend his title at the 2024 China Open was thwarted by arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final. Following his narrow defeat, the World No. 1 sought comfort in his girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya’s arms as the duo …

Read more