In a thrilling and action-packed 2024 season, Aryna Sabalenka has solidified her status as the top prize money earner on the WTA Tour, extending her lead over Iga Swiatek with her latest triumph at the Wuhan Open. Sabalenka’s consistent performance across both Grand Slams and WTA 1000 events has set her apart as the player to beat this year. Meanwhile, young American sensation Coco Gauff has made significant strides, rising to fourth place on the prize money list following her China Open victory. Here’s a detailed look at the prize money standings, notable performances, and the standout players who have defined the 2024 season so far.
### **Aryna Sabalenka’s Commanding 2024 Season**
Aryna Sabalenka, the 26-year-old Belarusian powerhouse, has taken charge of the 2024 season with a series of dominant performances. Her triumph at the Wuhan Open added another $525,115 to her impressive earnings, pushing her season total to $8,694,260. Sabalenka’s journey to the top has been marked by three major titles, including two Grand Slam victories—one at the Australian Open and the other at the US Open, where she collected an astounding $3,600,000.
The season started on a high note for Sabalenka with a runner-up finish at the Brisbane International, but it was her success in Melbourne that truly set the tone. She successfully defended her Australian Open title, earning a hefty $2,130,975. Although she narrowly missed titles in both Madrid and Rome, finishing as a runner-up, her ability to consistently reach the final rounds of prestigious tournaments kept her earnings flowing.
Her US Open win, where she showcased incredible resilience and power, became the highlight of her year, solidifying her top-ranking status on the WTA tour. Sabalenka’s aggressive style and relentless determination have not only rewarded her with lucrative cheques but have also elevated her to a fan-favorite status. Currently, she is the leading force in women’s tennis and is likely to end the season as the highest earner if she maintains this level of play.
### **Iga Swiatek: A Close Contender**
Poland’s Iga Swiatek, currently ranked as the second-highest prize money earner of 2024, has also enjoyed a successful season, amassing a total of $7,515,693. Swiatek’s year has been defined by her mastery of WTA 1000 events, securing titles at four of these prestigious tournaments, as well as her commanding victory at the French Open, which contributed $2,567,051 to her earnings.
Swiatek’s early season success began with a title in Qatar, where she claimed $500,000. This was followed by significant victories at Indian Wells, Madrid, and the Italian Open, showcasing her versatility on various surfaces. The 23-year-old has shown incredible consistency throughout the season, and while she did not manage to clinch any other Grand Slam titles in 2024, her ability to dominate in WTA 1000 tournaments has kept her within touching distance of Sabalenka.
### **Coco Gauff’s Rise to Stardom**
American young star Coco Gauff has had a breakthrough year, solidifying her position among the elite with impressive performances in both singles and doubles. The 20-year-old started the year with a title at the Auckland Open and has not looked back since. Her crowning achievement came in October when she clinched the China Open, adding $1,100,000 to her prize money total. Gauff’s season earnings currently stand at $4,548,847, placing her fourth among the top earners.
In addition to her singles success, Gauff has also excelled in doubles, particularly at Roland Garros, where she claimed the title with partner Katerina Siniakova. Her prowess in both formats has made her one of the most versatile and promising young players on the tour, and with each tournament, Gauff continues to prove that she is a rising star with the potential to reach even greater heights.
### **Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu: Notable Comebacks**
Among the seasoned players making waves in 2024 are four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and the 2021 US Open winner, Emma Raducanu. Despite not having played a full calendar year, Osaka has earned $869,911, positioning herself as the 63rd highest earner of the season. Her occasional appearances have brought flashes of her past brilliance, suggesting she is still a force to be reckoned with when fully committed.
Emma Raducanu, meanwhile, has had a more consistent schedule compared to previous years. The young Briton, who has struggled with injuries and fluctuating form since her stunning US Open victory in 2021, has collected $671,070 in 2024. Though she stands at 85th in the earnings list, her recent performances hint at a steady return to form, and many are eager to see if she can recapture the magic that once took her to Grand Slam glory.
### **Top 10 Prize Money Earners for 2024 (Before the China Open)**
1. **Aryna Sabalenka** – $8,694,260
2. **Iga Swiatek** – $7,515,693
3. **Jasmine Paolini** – $5,030,798
4. **Coco Gauff** – $4,548,847
5. **Jessica Pegula** – $3,911,622
6. **Barbora Krejcikova** – $3,706,175
7. **Elena Rybakina** – $3,191,915
8. **Zheng Qinwen** – $3,112,555
9. **Emma Navarro** – $2,751,968
10. **Elise Mertens** – $2,674,374
### **Rising Stars and Established Veterans in the Top 10**
The 2024 season has also seen several new faces break into the top 10 earners, signaling a changing of the guard in women’s tennis. Emma Navarro’s ascent has been particularly noteworthy. With a maiden WTA title in Hobart and semi-final appearances at the Canadian Open and US Open, the young American has made a significant impact.
On the other hand, seasoned veterans like Elise Mertens continue to showcase their expertise, particularly in doubles. Partnering with Hsieh Su-Wei, Mertens has claimed titles at major events, including the Australian Open and Indian Wells, solidifying her reputation as one of the most formidable doubles players on tour.
### **Conclusion: A Season of High Stakes and Intense Competition**
As the 2024 season heads towards its conclusion, the competition for the top prize money earner remains fierce. Aryna Sabalenka is currently leading the pack, but with several high-stakes tournaments still to come, the landscape could change. Iga Swiatek remains a strong contender, while Coco Gauff’s rapid ascent continues to captivate fans around the world. Veteran players and emerging stars alike have contributed to a season that has been as unpredictable as it has been exciting, leaving tennis fans eagerly awaiting the final chapters of the year.