Aryna Sabalenka secured the prestigious WTA Player of the Year award for the first time. This recognition comes after a remarkable season where she clinched two Grand Slam titles and finished 2024 as the world’s number one ranked player.
Other awards, determined by votes from tennis media, were also announced. Emma Navarro earned the Most Improved Player accolade. Paula Badosa was named Comeback Player of the Year.
Lulu Sun received the Newcomer of the Year award. The Doubles Team of the Year honor went to Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini.
Sabalenka, the 26-year-old Belarusian tennis star, triumphed at the Australian Open in January and the US Open in September. These Grand Slam victories were complemented by two other titles during the season.
She compiled an impressive 56-14 win-loss record, amassing nearly $10 million in prize money. Her consistent performance propelled her to overtake Iga Swiatek for the top ranking in October.
Emma Navarro achieved a significant milestone by breaking into the WTA’s top 10 in September. This achievement followed her remarkable run at the US Open, her best Grand Slam performance to date.
During the US Open, Navarro defeated defending champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round. Her impressive run eventually ended in the semifinals against Aryna Sabalenka.
The 23-year-old American, who honed her skills in South Carolina and won the 2021 NCAA singles championship at the University of Virginia, secured her first WTA tour title in Hobart, Australia, in January. She began 2024 ranked 32nd and finished the year at number eight.
Paula Badosa’s 2023 season was curtailed by a back injury. The 27-year-old Spaniard made a strong comeback in 2024.
Badosa climbed back up the rankings to number 12. She won the title in Washington and matched her best Grand Slam result by reaching the US Open quarterfinals.
Lulu Sun’s journey in 2024 saw her rise from outside the top 200 to a career-high ranking of 39. A key highlight of her season was a quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon in July, where she entered as a qualifier.
The 23-year-old also finished as runner-up at the Monterrey Open in August. Born in New Zealand and raised in Switzerland, Sun contributed to the University of Texas’s NCAA team championship victory.
Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini secured a doubles gold medal for Italy at the Paris Olympics. They also played a crucial role in Italy’s Billie Jean King Cup triumph.
The pair reached the French Open doubles final together. In singles competition, Paolini finished as runner-up at both the French Open and Wimbledon.
