The 2024 WTA season was a riveting spectacle, highlighted by fierce rivalries, dramatic matches, and the enduring brilliance of two titans—Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. Both players dominated the tour with their unique styles, pushing each other to extraordinary heights. As the year draws to a close, tennis fans are asking: Who was the best WTA player of 2024?
Let’s delve into their performances, titles, rankings, and the intangibles that defined their season.
Iga Swiatek: The Consistency Queen
Season Highlights
Swiatek, the world No. 1 for most of 2024, was a model of consistency. Her relentless work ethic and mental resilience saw her claim several prestigious titles, including:
- A Grand Slam victory at the French Open, her fourth Roland Garros title.
- A strong showing in the US Open, where she reached the final, cementing her dominance on hard courts.
- Multiple WTA 1000 titles, including Indian Wells and Madrid, which reinforced her position as a versatile threat across surfaces.
Key Strengths
Swiatek’s game revolves around precision, defense-to-offense transitions, and an unparalleled ability to adapt mid-match. Her topspin-heavy forehand and impeccable movement make her nearly invincible on clay, while her improved serve added an edge to her hard-court performances. Moreover, her mental fortitude in tie-breaks and deciders has been instrumental in her success this year.
Numbers That Matter
- Match Wins: Swiatek posted over 60 wins, maintaining a win percentage of approximately 85%.
- Weeks at No. 1: Swiatek retained her position for most of the year, showcasing her ability to handle the pressure of the top spot.
- Consistency: Swiatek reached at least the semifinals in 12 of her 15 tournaments, highlighting her dependability.
Aryna Sabalenka: The Powerhouse
Season Highlights
Sabalenka, known for her aggressive style, also had a standout year, capped with several career-defining achievements:
- Her maiden Australian Open title, which kickstarted her season with a bang.
- A thrilling win at the WTA Finals, where she outlasted Swiatek in a dramatic final.
- Multiple WTA titles, including ones on grass and hard courts, affirming her adaptability.
Key Strengths
Sabalenka’s power-hitting and fearless approach are her trademarks. Her serve, while occasionally erratic, can be a match-winning weapon, and her ability to dictate play from the baseline makes her a constant threat. Importantly, Sabalenka’s mental game took a massive leap in 2024, as she demonstrated greater composure in crunch moments.
Numbers That Matter
- Match Wins: Sabalenka ended the season with nearly 55 wins and a win percentage of 80%.
- Grand Slam Performance: In addition to her Australian Open win, she reached the semifinals in Wimbledon and the US Open.
- Head-to-Head vs. Swiatek: Sabalenka slightly narrowed the gap, defeating Swiatek in some crucial matches, including the WTA Finals.
Head-to-Head Rivalry
Swiatek and Sabalenka’s rivalry reached new heights in 2024, with multiple high-stakes clashes that thrilled tennis fans:
- Swiatek dominated their early-season encounters, winning at Indian Wells and the French Open.
- Sabalenka exacted revenge in the second half, claiming wins at the WTA Finals and Cincinnati.
Their contrasting styles—Swiatek’s precision vs. Sabalenka’s power—make their matches compelling and unpredictable. While Swiatek holds a slight edge in their career head-to-head record, Sabalenka’s recent victories indicate a shift in momentum.
Intangibles: Beyond the Numbers
What sets these two apart isn’t just their skills but their personalities and impact on the sport:
- Swiatek: Revered for her professionalism, Swiatek is a role model for young players. Her philanthropic efforts and articulate interviews have endeared her to fans worldwide.
- Sabalenka: With her fiery on-court demeanor and candidness off the court, Sabalenka has become a fan favorite. Her emotional journey, including overcoming past Grand Slam failures, adds depth to her narrative.
Verdict: Who Was the Best?
Choosing between Swiatek and Sabalenka is no easy task. Swiatek’s consistency and dominance over the rankings make her the safer pick, while Sabalenka’s breakthrough moments and evolution as a player give her a compelling case.
If the award for the best player of 2024 is about overall excellence, Iga Swiatek edges ahead. However, if it’s about making a statement and evolving as a competitor, Aryna Sabalenka takes the crown.
In truth, 2024 belongs to both, as they’ve pushed women’s tennis to new heights. Fans can only hope this rivalry continues to flourish, delivering more unforgettable moments in 2025!
