Unveiling the Champions of Tennis in 2024
WTA Player of the Year
Aryna Sabalenka's dominance on the court was undeniable in 2024. She won the prestigious Aussie Open and the US Open, showcasing her exceptional skills. Her on-court and off-court demeanor added to her charm. As Gigi Salmon rightly pointed out, she is the best player in the world and the reason for being the year-end No 1. Henman agreed wholeheartedly, while Overend firmly stated that it's Aryna Sabalenka and there's no other possible candidate. The only other contender could be Jasmine Paolini.
Watch the best points from the 2024 WTA season, selected by the Sky Sports tennis team. Sabalenka's journey to victory was a sight to behold, and her impact on the sport was significant.
ATP Player of the Year
Jannik Sinner's 2024 was a breakthrough year. He won the Australian Open and the US Open, achieving a Grand Slam victory and finishing at the top of the rankings. Overend emphasized his remarkable journey to No 1 and how he consolidated his position. Henman also praised his achievements, noting that we'll see more of his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz in 2025. Gigi Salmon went for Sinner as well, highlighting his handling of himself during the summer.
Watch the best points from the 2024 ATP season, selected by the Sky Sports tennis team. Sinner's performances were truly exceptional and set him apart as a force to be reckoned with.
ATP Match of the Year
The Tokyo final between Artur Fils and Ugo Humbert was a thrilling encounter. Fils defeated the No 1 seed Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Holge Rune, playing the set of his life to claim the title. Overend was in awe of his performance. Robson chose Novak Djokovic and Alcaraz in the Olympic final, calling it the best best-of-three she had ever seen. The highlight reel was filled with incredible moments, and both players were in tears at the same time.
Highlights of the Japan Open final between Arthur Fils and Ugo Humbert showcase the drama and excitement of this match.
WTA Match of the Year
Paolini and Donna Vekic's Wimbledon semi-final was a monster match. The intensity and skill on display were remarkable. Gigi Salmon and Robson both chose this match, emphasizing its impact. Henman also loved it as it was a prime example of how rivalries grow in sport. Overend agreed, feeling it was the peak of their rivalry.
Highlights of an incredible Madrid Open final between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka demonstrate the high level of competition in women's tennis.
ATP Point of the Year
The Shanghai Masters semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz was a game-changer. Overend pointed out a particular game that could have been chosen as the point of the year. Robson went for Fritz and Alexander Zverev at the US Open, highlighting a brutal point. The intensity and skill on display in these matches were truly remarkable.
Highlights of the Shanghai Masters semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz showcase the drama and excitement of this encounter.
WTA Point of the Year
Karolina Muchova's shot behind the back at the US Open was a moment of brilliance. Robson chose this as her point of the year, and Henman agreed, highlighting her variety and skill. Gigi Salmon also mentioned Muchova and Volynets, hoping she stays fit and healthy.
Karolina Muchova plays a behind-the-back lob and wins the point! This shot showcased her exceptional talent.
ATP Surprise of the Year
Jacob Fearnley's rise to the top 100 was a surprise. Henman was amazed by his quick progress, while Overend thought it was the year Zverev was going to break his Grand Slam duck. Robson mentioned the Sinner drugs test as a significant event at the US Open. Gigi Salmon chose the bees at Indian Wells, where Lance Davis saved the day by hoovering up all the invading bees.
Lance Davis, known as the ‘Killer Bee Catcher,’ saved Indian Wells by hoovering up all the bees that invaded the main stadium court. This incident added an unexpected element to the tennis season.
WTA Surprise of the Year
Jasmine Paolini's achievements in 2024 were astonishing. She won Dubai, reached the final of the French and Wimbledon, and won Olympic doubles gold, reaching a career-high No 4. Gigi Salmon and Overend were in awe of her performance. Robson also mentioned Lulu Sun making the quarter-finals at Wimbledon as a surprise.
Jasmine Paolini came from a set down to defeat Anna Kalinskaya in the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships, proving her resilience and talent.
Most Improved Player
Jack Draper's transformation in 2024 was remarkable. Henman praised his hard work and determination, despite struggling with injuries last year. Robson emphasized his good results at the end of 2023 and his consistent performance this year. Gigi Salmon also went for Jack Draper, highlighting his lovely personality.
Highlights of the final between Jack Draper and Karen Khachanov at the Vienna Open showcase his growth as a player. His victory was a testament to his hard work and talent.
Coach of the Year
James Trotman deserves recognition for his work with Jack Draper. Henman praised his dedication and wisdom in guiding Jack through difficult times. Overend mentioned Jack's statement about having one voice, which speaks volumes about Trotman's influence. There is live tennis from the ATP Next Gen Finals and the 2025 United Cup, providing more excitement for tennis fans.
Jack Draper and coach James Trotman prepare for Wimbledon, showing their partnership and determination.
There is live tennis from the ATP Next Gen Finals at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah between 18-22 December, before the 2025 United Cup from 2am on December 27 staged in Perth and Sydney.