Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 tennis season may not have ended on the high note she desired, but the world No. 1 can reflect on an extraordinary campaign.
Her journey came to a premature halt in the semi-finals of the WTA Finals held in Riyadh, where she faced off against Coco Gauff, ultimately succumbing to a scoreline of 7-6 (7-4), 6-3.
Wrapping up the year, Sabalenka boasts a formidable 56-14 win-loss record, accompanied by four singles titles, including the coveted year-end No. 1 ranking.
What stands out about her achievements is the caliber of the tournaments she triumphed in; she clinched two major titles—victories at the Australian Open and US Open—as well as two WTA 1000 events at the Cincinnati Open and the Wuhan Open, while also finishing as runner-up in three other competitions.
The Belarusian regained the top spot in the WTA Rankings after displacing Iga Swiatek post-US Open, and she will conclude the year at No. 1 following Swiatek’s early exit in Riyadh.
Read more: The ATP Finals of the New EraWhile her quest for a maiden WTA Finals trophy continues, the 26-year-old remains optimistic. “I think I achieved a lot this season, and there is no room for disappointment,” she stated. “I just have to be proud of myself.”
Adding further, she noted, “I won two majors, became world No. 1, and finished the year world No. 1 as I aimed to do last year.”
Looking ahead, Sabalenka expressed her eagerness for the upcoming season: “I’m super excited for next year. I want to push myself in those critical moments where I didn’t close out matches that I should have. I’ll continue to work on my game, focus on my mental strength, and ensure I’m in top shape come the start of the season to showcase my best tennis again in Australia.”
Sabalenka’s performance against Gauff saw her struggle during a pivotal tie-break, as the American surged to a commanding 4-0 lead. Although Sabalenka fought valiantly, with breaks of serve proving costly, Gauff ultimately sealed her victory.
The 20-year-old Gauff is now set to face Zheng Qinwen in the WTA Finals final and has caught the admiration of the world No. 1: “I have great respect for her. She’s a fighter, a fantastic player, and a wonderful person. I truly wish her the best of luck in the finals; she deserves it,” Sabalenka remarked.
