Belarusian tennis sensation Aryna Sabalenka clinched two Grand Slam titles in 2024, as reported by AFP.
The WTA has named Aryna Sabalenka as its Player of the Year for the first time. This recognition comes after the Belarusian secured two Grand Slam titles and achieved the year-end world number one ranking, according to the governing body of women's tennis.
Sabalenka successfully defended her Australian Open title in January and later won the US Open in September, earning her third Grand Slam title. She overtook Iga Swiatek to claim the top spot in the world rankings a month later. Additionally, she won tournaments in Cincinnati and Wuhan, finishing her 2024 season with four titles.
The international tennis media also honored Paris Olympics gold medalists Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini as the top doubles team of the year. Meanwhile, American Emma Navarro was recognized as the most improved player of the season.
Navarro, ranked 38th at the end of 2023, broke into the top 10 in September after winning her first title in Hobart and making six semifinal appearances, including at Flushing Meadows, during the season.
Lulu Sun received the Newcomer of the Year award following her impressive run to the Wimbledon quarterfinals as a qualifier, which propelled her to 40th in the world rankings after starting the year outside the top 200.
Former world number two Paula Badosa was named Comeback Player of the Year. Despite ending her 2023 season early due to a back injury that raised questions about her future in the sport, Badosa returned to the tour this season, winning the Washington title and reaching the US Open quarterfinals, her best Grand Slam performance, to finish the year ranked 12th.
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