The WTA has announced its nominees for the prestigious Player of the Year award, and the lineup is nothing short of spectacular. Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka headline the list, joined by Iga Swiatek, Jasmine Paolini, and Qinwen Zheng. Each player delivered extraordinary performances throughout 2024, making this one of the most competitive shortlists in recent memory.
Coco Gauff: A Season of Resilience and Triumph
Coco Gauff capped off her 2024 campaign in stunning fashion. The American clinched her first-ever WTA Finals title after an epic showdown against Qinwen Zheng. Along the way, she also secured a statement victory over Iga Swiatek, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with.
Gauff’s late-season success followed a rocky mid-year stretch that saw her part ways with coach Brad Gilbert. After struggling during the grass-court and North American hardcourt swings, Gauff made a pivotal decision to bring Matt Daly on board as her new coach. The partnership yielded immediate results, with Gauff claiming the China Open title in their very first tournament together.
The momentum continued as she reached the Wuhan Open semifinals and then triumphed at the WTA Finals. Her remarkable turnaround propelled her to a year-end No. 3 ranking, showcasing her resilience and ability to bounce back from challenges.
Aryna Sabalenka: Grand Slam Glory and a Historic No. 1 Finish
Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 season was nothing short of historic. The Belarusian claimed two Grand Slam titles, winning both the Australian Open and the US Open. Her triumph at Flushing Meadows was particularly significant, marking the culmination of years of near-misses at the tournament.
Sabalenka’s season also featured a gripping battle for the year-end No. 1 ranking against Iga Swiatek. While Swiatek held the top spot for most of the year, Sabalenka’s stellar performances during the North American hardcourt season and a controversial WTA rule regarding mandatory tournaments worked in her favor. She ultimately overtook Swiatek and secured the year-end No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career.
Iga Swiatek: A Season of Consistency and Change
Though Iga Swiatek lost her No. 1 ranking to Sabalenka, the Pole still delivered an impressive 2024 season. She captured her fourth French Open title and maintained her position at the top of the rankings for the majority of the year.
However, the season also brought changes for Swiatek. After the US Open, she ended her partnership with longtime coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, opting to bring in Wim Fissette, known for his work with Naomi Osaka. While their collaboration was limited to just two tournaments in 2024, Swiatek will look to build momentum with Fissette in the coming year.
Jasmine Paolini: A Breakthrough Year
Italy’s Jasmine Paolini enjoyed a breakout season, cementing her place among the world’s best. She reached the finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon, showcasing her versatility across surfaces. Paolini also claimed a title at the Dubai Championships, further solidifying her credentials as one of the season’s standout performers.
Qinwen Zheng: The Rising Star
At just 22 years old, Qinwen Zheng continued to make waves on the global stage. The Chinese star achieved a historic Olympic gold medal at Roland-Garros, defeating Swiatek on her favorite clay courts in the process. Zheng also reached the finals of the Australian Open and the WTA Finals, proving she has the talent and poise to compete with the best.
Who Will Take Home the Honor?
While Aryna Sabalenka is widely regarded as the favorite to win the WTA Player of the Year award, each of the nominees has a compelling case. From Gauff’s resilience to Swiatek’s consistency, Paolini’s breakthrough, and Zheng’s youthful brilliance, any of these five women would be a worthy recipient.
As the tennis world awaits the announcement, one thing is clear: 2024 was a season to remember, and these players were at the heart of its most thrilling moments.