Aryna Sabalenka has been named WTA Player of the Year for the first time, following an exceptional season in which she claimed two Grand Slam titles and finished as the world No. 1. After successfully defending her Australian Open title in January, Sabalenka went on to win the US Open in September, securing her third Grand Slam crown.
Her victories helped her leapfrog Iga Swiatek to take the top spot in the rankings by October. In addition to her Grand Slam triumphs, she also secured titles in Cincinnati and Wuhan, rounding off her season with four tournament wins.
The WTA also recognized the achievements of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, who were voted the top doubles team of the year after winning Olympic gold in Paris. American Emma Navarro was honored as the season's most improved player.
Navarro, who was ranked 38th at the end of 2023, surged into the top 10 in September after winning her first title in Hobart and making multiple semifinal appearances, including at the US Open.
Lulu Sun earned the Newcomer of the Year award following a standout performance at Wimbledon, where she reached the quarterfinals as a qualifier. Her impressive run at the All England Club helped her climb to No. 40 in the world after beginning the year outside the top 200.
This breakthrough marked a significant rise in her career, making her one of the most promising newcomers in women’s tennis.
Paula Badosa, who had a challenging 2023 due to a back injury that forced her to end the season early, was named Comeback Player of the Year. After her return to the tour, the former world No. 2 captured the Washington title and matched her best Grand Slam result by reaching the US Open quarterfinals. Badosa’s successful return to form culminated in her finishing the year ranked 12th in the world.
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