Aryna Sabalenka Leads 2024 WTA Awards Nominations; Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu Honored for Comebacks
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has unveiled its nominees for the 2024 WTA Awards, celebrating an incredible season in women’s tennis. Aryna Sabalenka, the year-end World No. 1, headlines the Player of the Year nominations after an extraordinary season that solidified her status as one of the sport’s modern greats. Alongside her, Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu are recognized in the Comeback Player of the Year category, marking their inspiring returns to competitive tennis.
Sabalenka’s Stellar Year
Aryna Sabalenka’s achievements in 2024 stand out as a defining chapter in her career. She won her second consecutive Australian Open and followed it with a maiden US Open title. Adding WTA 1000 victories in Cincinnati and Wuhan to her résumé, Sabalenka secured four titles in a single season for the first time, becoming a dominant force on the tour. She also achieved a joint-best record of 18 Grand Slam match wins despite missing Wimbledon due to injury.
Her success earned her a nomination for Player of the Year, where she faces strong competition from other standout players. Iga Swiatek, the former World No. 1, delivered consistent performances, including a thrilling win over Sabalenka in the Madrid Open final. Coco Gauff made her mark by winning the WTA Finals, Zheng Qinwen reached her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open, and Jasmine Paolini climbed to a career-high No. 4 ranking, achieving milestones at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Remarkable Comebacks: Osaka and Raducanu
Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu headline the Comeback Player of the Year nominations, highlighting their determination and resilience. Osaka returned to the tour after maternity leave, quickly regaining her competitive edge and re-entering the Top 100. Her journey back to form has been inspirational, underscoring her enduring talent and commitment to the sport.
Emma Raducanu also made waves with her return to competitive tennis after an injury-plagued 2023. Starting the year outside the Top 200, the British star climbed to World No. 58, demonstrating the form that won her the US Open in 2021. Her steady progress and resilience throughout the season earned her a well-deserved spot among the nominees.
Other players nominated in the comeback category include Paula Badosa, Karolina Muchova, and Amanda Anisimova, each of whom overcame personal and professional setbacks to achieve significant results in 2024.
Rising Stars and Breakthrough Performances
The WTA Awards also celebrate emerging talent, with Zheng Qinwen nominated for Breakthrough Player of the Year following a historic season. In addition to her Grand Slam final appearance, Zheng became the first Chinese player to win Olympic gold in tennis, cementing her status as a rising star. Diana Shnaider, another promising talent, reached a career-high ranking of No. 13 after capturing four WTA titles in 2024.
Lulu Sun, a newcomer to the Top 100, also received recognition for her rapid ascent in the rankings. These rising stars are poised to shape the future of women’s tennis, adding depth and excitement to the tour.
Recognizing Excellence Across the Board
The awards extend beyond singles achievements, highlighting accomplishments in doubles and coaching. Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe are nominated for Doubles Team of the Year after consistent performances throughout the season. Renzo Furlan, who coached Jasmine Paolini to her breakout year, is among the nominees for Coach of the Year.
Paolini’s journey from World No. 30 to No. 4 was one of the most remarkable storylines of 2024. She reached the finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and captured a WTA 1000 title in Dubai, proving herself as one of the most improved players on tour.
Anticipation Builds for the Award Winners
As the tennis world looks ahead to the announcement of the 2024 WTA Award winners in December, the nominations reflect the depth of talent and the compelling storylines that defined the season. From Sabalenka’s dominance to Osaka and Raducanu’s inspiring comebacks, the awards celebrate a year that showcased the resilience, skill, and determination of the world’s best players.
With established stars continuing to shine and new faces making their mark, the future of women’s tennis promises to be as exciting as ever. The 2024 season has set a high standard, and the anticipation for what lies ahead is already building.