The 2024 WTA season has once again seen Iga Swiatek dominate in spectacular fashion, particularly when it comes to serving up “bagels” (6-0 sets) and “breadsticks” (6-1 sets). Known for her incredible consistency and ruthless efficiency on the court, the world No. 1 from Poland has cemented her reputation as the chief pâtissière of the WTA Tour.
#### Swiatek’s Impressive Bakery Season
While Swiatek didn’t quite match her 2023 numbers—where she dished out 23 bagels and 31 breadsticks—she still managed to produce an extraordinary 42 sets with either a 6-0 or 6-1 scoreline. This year, her tally includes 14 bagels and 28 breadsticks, further solidifying her position at the pinnacle of women’s tennis. Her career total now stands at an astounding 176 sets won with these dominant scores.
One of the most notable moments of Swiatek’s 2024 campaign came during the French Open, where she handed Anastasia Potapova a double bagel, winning 6-0, 6-0. Potapova wasn’t the only top player to fall victim to Swiatek’s ruthless precision. Victoria Azarenka, Danielle Collins, Elina Svitolina, and Maria Sakkari all suffered 6-0 set losses to the Pole this season.
#### The Top Contenders: Bagel and Breadstick Leaders
While Swiatek led the charge, other players also enjoyed dominant performances throughout the 2024 season. Here’s a detailed look at the top seven players who served the most 6-0 and 6-1 sets this year:
##### **6. Mirra Andreeva – 18 Sets (4 Bagels, 14 Breadsticks)**
Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva continued her impressive rise, delivering four bagels and 14 breadsticks. One of her standout performances came at the Australian Open, where she handed sixth-seeded Ons Jabeur a 6-0 set. Despite her young age, Andreeva’s maturity and tactical prowess on the court have made her one of the rising stars to watch.
##### **6. Elena Rybakina – 18 Sets (4 Bagels, 14 Breadsticks)**
Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina had an inconsistent 2024 season due to injuries and interruptions, but she still managed to produce four bagels and 14 breadsticks. Rybakina’s ability to dominate opponents, even during a “stop-start” season, speaks volumes about her skill and mental fortitude.
##### **5. Aryna Sabalenka – 20 Sets (6 Bagels, 14 Breadsticks)**
Defending her Australian Open title with characteristic power and aggression, Aryna Sabalenka delivered six bagels and 14 breadsticks this year. Notably, she achieved a double bagel victory over Lesia Tsurenko in the round of 32 at the Australian Open. However, Sabalenka also experienced some setbacks, losing two sets 6-0 and five sets 6-1. These fluctuations illustrate the intense competition and high stakes on the WTA Tour.
##### **4. Emma Navarro – 25 Sets (5 Bagels, 20 Breadsticks)**
American Emma Navarro had a breakout season, winning five sets 6-0 and 20 sets 6-1. Some of her notable victories included dominant performances against top players like Jasmine Paolini, Naomi Osaka, Paula Badosa, and Elina Svitolina. Interestingly, while Navarro handed out plenty of breadsticks, she also lost seven sets 6-1, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of high-level competition.
##### **3. Zheng Qinwen – 25 Sets (8 Bagels, 17 Breadsticks)**
Zheng Qinwen’s 2024 season was marked by significant milestones, including finishing as the runner-up at both the Australian Open and the WTA Finals. She reached a career-high ranking of No. 5, a testament to her remarkable consistency. Zheng delivered eight bagels and 17 breadsticks, including a double bagel win over Sara Errani during her gold-medal run at the Paris Olympics. Her ability to perform under pressure and dismantle opponents with clinical precision makes her one of the brightest talents on the tour.
##### **2. Coco Gauff – 34 Sets (12 Bagels, 22 Breadsticks)**
Coco Gauff continued her rise to prominence with an outstanding 2024 season, delivering 12 bagels and 22 breadsticks. Her most emphatic win came in Madrid, where she defeated Arantxa Rus 6-0, 6-0. Gauff’s dominance extended to sets against high-profile players like Emma Navarro and Paula Badosa. Despite her commanding performances, Gauff also faced adversity, losing one set each by 6-0 and 6-1. Her ability to bounce back from setbacks reflects her growing maturity and resilience.
##### **1. Iga Swiatek – 42 Sets (14 Bagels, 28 Breadsticks)**
No player came close to matching Iga Swiatek’s numbers in 2024. Her tally of 14 bagels and 28 breadsticks is a testament to her unparalleled consistency and relentless competitiveness. Swiatek’s ability to dismantle opponents with such regularity is a key factor behind her sustained dominance at the top of the WTA rankings.
Swiatek’s “bakery” sessions are more than just statistical achievements; they represent her strategic brilliance and mental toughness. Whether she’s competing on clay, hard courts, or grass, Swiatek’s game remains remarkably adaptable. Her French Open performance against Potapova was a highlight, but her ability to dominate top-tier players like Azarenka, Collins, and Svitolina underscores her superiority.
#### The Significance of Bagels and Breadsticks in Tennis
Winning sets 6-0 or 6-1 is about more than just numbers; it reflects a player’s ability to impose their game and maintain focus throughout a match. For Swiatek, these dominant performances demonstrate her mental fortitude and tactical intelligence. They also send a clear message to her competitors: facing Swiatek means being prepared for a relentless battle.
For players like Gauff, Zheng, and Sabalenka, these numbers highlight their growing dominance and ability to challenge Swiatek’s supremacy. Each bagel and breadstick served is a reminder of the fierce competition on the WTA Tour and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
#### Conclusion
The 2024 WTA season has once again showcased the extraordinary talent and competitive spirit of Iga Swiatek and her peers. Swiatek’s 42 bagels and breadsticks underline her status as the chief pâtissière of the WTA Tour, while players like Gauff and Zheng are not far behind. As the season continues, the battle for dominance will only intensify, promising more thrilling matches and, undoubtedly, more “baking” sessions on the court.