Sabalenka voted WTA Player of the Year
3 min readWorld number one Aryna Sabalenka has been named the WTA Player of the Year for 2024 after an exceptional season, securing four titles, including two Grand Slam victories. The Belarusian had a standout year, building on her previous success to achieve new milestones in her career.
Sabalenka’s season began strongly in January when she successfully defended her Australian Open title, becoming the first woman since 2015 to win back-to-back titles in Melbourne. Her remarkable run continued in September when she claimed her third Grand Slam singles title at the US Open, a victory that solidified her place among the elite players in women’s tennis. These two Grand Slam triumphs were pivotal moments in her career and played a major role in her receiving the prestigious Player of the Year award.
In addition to her Grand Slam victories, Sabalenka also had success in the WTA 1000 tournaments. She won the Cincinnati Open in August, one of the season’s most competitive events, and followed it up with another triumph in the Wuhan Open in October. Sabalenka made history at the Wuhan Open, becoming the first woman to win the event three times, a remarkable feat that demonstrated her consistency and dominance on the WTA circuit.
Despite missing Wimbledon due to injury and opting out of the Olympics in August to prioritize her health, Sabalenka’s year was nothing short of spectacular. In October, she reached the pinnacle of women’s tennis by becoming the world number one, ending Iga Swiatek’s 11-month reign at the top. Sabalenka’s rise to the top spot was a significant achievement, as she had to overcome numerous challenges, including her injury layoff and a highly competitive field of players.
Sabalenka’s performance throughout the year was marked by a 56-14 win-loss record, a testament to her consistent form and mental resilience. Her strong performances across multiple surfaces and events throughout the season further showcased her all-around abilities and determination to succeed at the highest level.
This is the first time in Sabalenka’s career that she has been named Player of the Year. In the previous two years, Iga Swiatek took home the prestigious award after a dominant 2022 and 2023 season, but Sabalenka’s stellar performances in 2024 made her the deserving recipient of this honor. The WTA Player of the Year award is determined through voting by international tennis media, and Sabalenka’s remarkable achievements in 2024 undoubtedly earned her widespread recognition from the global tennis community.
Sabalenka’s victory is also a reflection of the growing depth in women’s tennis, with players like Sabalenka, Swiatek, and others consistently pushing each other to new heights. The 26-year-old Belarusian has proven to be one of the sport’s most formidable and exciting players, and her achievements in 2024 place her firmly among the sport’s elite.
As Sabalenka looks ahead to 2025, she will undoubtedly be aiming to continue her success and defend her world number one ranking. With her powerful game, mental toughness, and growing experience, Sabalenka will be one of the top contenders in all major tournaments in the years to come.
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