Tennis
After Year-End No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka Wins 2024 WTA Player of the Year
2024-12-09
Aryna Sabalenka's remarkable journey in 2024 has left an indelible mark on the tennis world. She emerged victorious, winning two Grand Slam titles and clinching the WTA's Player of the Year award. Her 56-14 record, seven final appearances, and four titles across the year showcase her dominance. From defending her Australian Open title to lifting the US Open trophy and claiming two WTA 1000 events in Cincinnati and Wuhan, Sabalenka's performance was nothing short of extraordinary. In October, she returned to world No. 1, dethroning Iga Swiatek, and ended the season at the top with her fourth consecutive appearance at the WTA Finals.
Doubles Team Honors and Successes
The doubles team of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini also received media votes for their outstanding achievements. Alongside Paula Badosa, Emma Navarro, and Lulu Sun, they made significant contributions. Badosa was named the Comeback Player of the Year, having overcome a career-threatening back injury to reach No. 12 in the rankings and win a WTA 500 in Washington, D.C. and reach the US Open quarterfinals. Navarro was recognized as the Most Improved Player of the Year, reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals and US Open semifinals and winning her first title, cracking the Top 10 in the rankings. Sun, a 23-year-old New Zealand representative, soared from outside the Top 200 to a career-best No. 39, with a quarterfinal showing at Wimbledon and a runner-up finish at Monterrey. The two Italians, Errani and Paolini, won the gold medal in doubles at the Paris Olympics and helped Italy win the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time since 2013, also reaching the Roland Garros doubles final together.Paolini's Successes Alongside Errani
Paolini's story is one of remarkable growth. In a season where she skyrocketed from outside the Top 30 in singles to world No. 4 and reached two major finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, she was rewarded for her efforts. Her partnership with Errani led to significant victories, including the Paris Olympics gold medal and the Billie Jean King Cup win. Their achievements on the doubles court demonstrated their skill and teamwork.Other Individual Award Winners
Badosa's comeback was a testament to her determination. After a challenging period, she returned to the tennis scene and achieved great success. Navarro's breakthrough season was filled with memorable moments, from the Wimbledon quarterfinals to the US Open semifinals. Sun's rise to the Top 39 was a source of inspiration, especially as the first New Zealand woman to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals in the Open Era. Her upset of Zheng and Emma Raducanu added to her growing reputation.These players' performances in 2024 have not only earned them individual honors but have also added to the rich tapestry of tennis history. Their stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring tennis players around the world.