The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has unveiled its nominees for the prestigious 2024 Player of the Year awards, spotlighting an incredible year of competition at the highest level. Among the nominees are the top five players in the WTA rankings, each of whom delivered exceptional performances throughout the season. Additionally, players like Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu, and Sonay Kartal feature prominently in other award categories, highlighting the depth of talent in women’s tennis this year.
Player of the Year Nominees
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka leads the race for WTA Player of the Year, with her 2024 season standing out as one of dominance and resilience. The Belarusian claimed two Grand Slam titles—the Australian Open and the US Open—and reclaimed the No. 1 ranking in October, finishing the season on top for the first time in her career. Her powerful performances in key tournaments have positioned her as the clear favorite for the honor.
Joining Sabalenka in the Player of the Year category is French Open champion Iga Swiatek. The former world No. 1 enjoyed another successful season, winning a WTA-high five titles and maintaining her reputation as one of the most consistent players on tour.
Coco Gauff, the reigning WTA Finals champion, also finds herself in contention. Gauff’s breakout season included three titles, notably the China Open and the WTA Finals, showcasing her growth and maturity as a player.
Italian star Jasmine Paolini is another contender after a phenomenal year that saw her rise from No. 29 to a career-high No. 4 in the rankings. Paolini’s year was highlighted by runner-up finishes at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, along with her maiden WTA 1000 title in Dubai.
Rounding out the top five nominees is Zheng Qinwen, who reached career-best heights in 2024. The Chinese sensation climbed to No. 5 in the rankings, reaching the Australian Open final (losing to Sabalenka) and finishing runner-up to Gauff at the WTA Finals.
Comeback Player of the Year
The Comeback Player of the Year category recognizes players who overcame significant challenges to return to prominence in 2024.
Naomi Osaka headlines the list after returning to the WTA Tour following a year-long maternity leave. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who welcomed her daughter Shai in July 2023, started the season ranked outside the top 800 but fought her way back to No. 59, delivering several strong performances along the way.
Paula Badosa also had a remarkable resurgence. After injuries derailed her 2023 campaign, the Spaniard rebounded in the second half of 2024, finishing the year ranked No. 12.
Karolina Muchova, who underwent wrist surgery in February, made an impressive comeback by reaching the final in Palermo and advancing to the US Open semifinals.
Amanda Anisimova, who took a sabbatical in 2023, returned with a bang by making her first WTA 1000 final in Canada.
Emma Raducanu’s journey back to form has been equally inspiring. The British star missed the latter half of 2023 due to surgeries on both wrists and one ankle. Although she started 2024 slowly, Raducanu found her rhythm on grass, reaching the Nottingham semifinals, Eastbourne quarterfinals, and Wimbledon’s round of 16. Her rise from No. 301 to No. 58 in the rankings underscores her resilience and determination.
Newcomer of the Year
The Newcomer of the Year award celebrates emerging stars who have made a significant impact on the WTA Tour.
Among the nominees is Lulu Sun, who climbed from No. 214 to No. 40 in the rankings, highlighted by her quarterfinal run at Wimbledon. Erika Andreeva impressed with two top-20 victories, while Rebecca Sramkova, Zeynep Sonmez, and Sonay Kartal all claimed their first WTA titles in 2024.
Most Improved Player of the Year
This category highlights players who have made significant strides in their careers. Nominees include Emma Navarro, Anna Kalinskaya, Danielle Collins, Diana Shnaider, and Marta Kostyuk—all of whom elevated their games to new heights in 2024.
Doubles Team of the Year
The Doubles Team of the Year category features several dominant pairings. Gabriela Dabrowski/Erin Routliffe and Katerina Siniakova/Taylor Townsend are among the standout teams. Other nominees include Sara Errani/Jasmine Paolini, Lyudmyla Kichenok/Jelena Ostapenko, Hsieh Su-Wei/Elise Mertens, and Anna Danilina/Irina Khromacheva.
Sabalenka Leads the Pack, but the Race is Tight
While Aryna Sabalenka’s achievements this season make her the frontrunner for Player of the Year, the competition is fierce. Gauff’s triumph at the WTA Finals and Swiatek’s title haul demonstrate the depth of excellence among the nominees. Meanwhile, Paolini and Zheng have redefined their careers with breakthrough performances.
The nominees for the other categories also underscore the diversity of talent in women’s tennis. Osaka’s inspiring comeback, Raducanu’s resurgence, and the rise of new talents like Lulu Sun and Sonay Kartal highlight a season filled with unforgettable narratives.
The WTA awards are a celebration of not just victories and rankings but also the grit, determination, and passion that define the sport. As the tennis world eagerly awaits the announcement of the winners, one thing is certain: 2024 was a year to remember for women’s tennis.