A former WTA star recently shared her views on the standout qualities of Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina, ultimately revealing her preference for one as her favorite. Here’s a comprehensive look at each player, their strengths, and their achievements over the past year, which likely informed this choice.
Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek had another exceptional year in 2024, showcasing her dominance on the WTA Tour. Known for her mental resilience and clay-court expertise, she captured her fifth Grand Slam title by winning Roland Garros for the fourth time. Swiatek’s consistency was reflected in her tour-leading tally of six titles, including significant victories at Indian Wells, Madrid, and Rome. Despite these achievements, she struggled to replicate the same success at other Grand Slams, failing to progress beyond the quarterfinals in Melbourne, London, and New York.
Swiatek’s playing style is characterized by her spin-heavy forehand, exceptional footwork, and a strong baseline game. However, the star acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly on faster surfaces, where big hitters like Sabalenka and Rybakina pose challenges. With her mental toughness and ability to adapt, she remains a favorite among fans and analysts.
Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka emerged as one of the most dominant players of 2024, clinching two Grand Slam titles—the Australian Open and her first US Open. She also secured prestigious WTA 1000 titles in Cincinnati and Wuhan, demonstrating her prowess on hard courts. These achievements earned her the year-end No. 1 ranking, solidifying her position as Swiatek’s primary rival.
Sabalenka’s game is defined by her explosive power, strong serve, and aggressive baseline play, which make her particularly effective on faster surfaces. Her head-to-head battles with Swiatek were highlights of the season, with both players trading victories in finals. While Swiatek led in total match wins and titles, Sabalenka’s superior Grand Slam performance and her ability to step up in high-pressure matches gave her a slight edge in the rankings.
Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina, the reigning Wimbledon champion from 2022, continued to impress with her calm demeanor and consistent performances. Known for her precision and a big serve, Rybakina excelled on grass and fast hard courts. While her Grand Slam results in 2024 were less notable compared to Swiatek and Sabalenka, she remains one of the most dangerous players on the tour, capable of competing with anyone on her day.
Rybakina’s playing style relies on a mix of power and finesse, making her a unique challenge for opponents. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and her efficient movement on faster surfaces have earned her a strong fan following and respect from her peers.
The Former WTA Star’s Choice
After analyzing the strengths and performances of the three, the former WTA player expressed her admiration for Aryna Sabalenka. She highlighted Sabalenka’s dominance in Grand Slams and her ability to deliver under pressure, which set her apart. Sabalenka’s aggression and mental toughness, combined with her No. 1 ranking at the end of 2024, made her the standout player of the year in the former star’s view. While Swiatek’s consistency and versatility were acknowledged, Sabalenka’s powerful game and results on the biggest stages gave her a “small edge” over her rivals.
This preference underscores the debate among tennis enthusiasts and analysts regarding the most complete player on the WTA tour. While Swiatek’s consistency and title count appeal to many, Sabalenka’s rise to dominance and ability to peak at the right moments earned her this endorsement. Elena Rybakina’s contributions were also noted, particularly for her big-match temperament and adaptability across surfaces.
As the 2025 season approaches, the rivalry among these three stars promises to continue captivating the tennis world. Each player brings unique strengths and stories, making them favorites for different reasons, but for now, Sabalenka has earned the nod as the standout performer of 2024.
