The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Player Awards, celebrating exceptional performances throughout the season.

Player of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka clinched her first Player of the Year award after a remarkable season, securing titles at the Australian Open, US Open, and WTA 1000 events in Cincinnati and Wuhan. She regained the World No.1 ranking in October and finished the year atop the standings.

Fun Fact: Sabalenka maintains a quirky pre-match ritual of signing her fitness trainer’s bald head for good luck—a tradition she began at the Australian Open.

Doubles Team of the Year: Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini

The Italian pair of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini had an outstanding year, winning WTA 1000 titles in Rome and Beijing, as well as a WTA 500 event in Linz. They also reached the Roland Garros final and secured the doubles gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

Fun Fact: Errani and Paolini became the first Italian tennis players in history to win an Olympic gold medal in tennis, achieving this milestone by defeating the duo of Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider in the final.

Most Improved Player of the Year: Emma Navarro

Emma Navarro captured her first WTA title at the Hobart International and reached six additional semifinals across various tournament levels. She achieved three Top 5 victories, including a notable win over then-World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka at Indian Wells, and broke into the Top 10 in September.

Fun Fact: Navarro is known for her love of baking and often brings homemade treats to share with fellow players and staff during tournaments.

Newcomer of the Year: Lulu Sun

Lulu Sun made a significant impact in 2024, climbing from outside the Top 200 to World No.40. She made her Grand Slam main draw debut at the Australian Open and became the first New Zealand woman in the Open Era to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals. Sun also reached her first WTA final in Monterrey.

Fun Fact: Sun is an avid surfer and often hits the waves to unwind during breaks from tennis.

Comeback Player of the Year: Paula Badosa

After ending her 2023 season early due to a back injury, Paula Badosa returned to form in 2024. She won the Mubadala Citi DC Open, reached semifinals at WTA 1000 events in Cincinnati and Beijing, and matched her best Grand Slam result with a quarterfinal finish at the US Open.

Fun Fact: Badosa is a passionate painter and often gifts her artwork to fellow players and fans.

These athletes have not only excelled on the court but also bring unique and entertaining qualities to the tennis community.