From Sinner to Sabalenka: The Best Tennis Players and Moments of 2024

2024 was a notable year for tennis, filled with thrilling matches, memorable moments, and the indisputable rise of two superstars: Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka. These two players not only dominated their respective tours but also represented determination, consistency, and phenomenal talent. Let’s take a closer look at their amazing journeys this season.

Jannik Sinner: ATP Player of the Year

Jannik Sinner’s 2024 season was nothing short of historic. His journey began with a bold anticipation from fellow tennis star Carlos Alcaraz at the 2023 ATP Finals. Alcaraz claimed that Sinner would either reach the No. 1 ranking in 2024 or be on the verge of achieving it. As it turns out, Alcaraz’s words were predictive.

Sinner kicked off the year in spectacular fashion by winning his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. But he didn’t stop there. He went on to claim the US Open, the ATP Finals, and five additional titles, including three Masters 1000 events. This miraculous run not only earned him the world No. 1 ranking in June but also kept him there for the rest of the year. By the season’s end, Sinner had accumulated nearly a 4,000-point lead over second-ranked Alexander Zverev.

Taylor Fritz, who faced Sinner in the finals of both the US Open and the ATP Finals, summed it up perfectly:

“Not only is he the best player in the world, but he’s playing at an extremely high level right now.”

Nevertheless, Sinner’s journey wasn’t without challenges. In March, he faced evaluation after failing two drug tests for an anabolic steroid. The public learned about the tests just before the US Open, but Sinner was temporarily suspended during the appeal process. After months of uncertainty, the International Tennis Integrity Agency ruled him not at fault, allowing him to continue competing. In spite of the distractions, Sinner finished the season with an incredible 73-6 record and led Italy to their second sequential Davis Cup victory.

Experts like Chris Evert and Mark Goodall praised Sinner for his strength of mind, consistency, and powerful game. His dominance this year cemented his place as the undisputed ATP Player of the Year.

Aryna Sabalenka: WTA Player of the Year

Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 season was evidence of her resilience and grit. Starting the year as world No. 2, Sabalenka had already tasted the top spot briefly in late 2023. Nevertheless, this year proved that her success was no fluke.

Sabalenka commenced her season by making history at the Australian Open, becoming the first woman in over a decade to successfully defend her title. She won the tournament without dropping a single set, representing her dominance on the court.

The middle of the season was challenging for the 26-year-old. She withstood personal tragedy with the death of her former partner, Konstantin Koltsov, and suffered an injury that forced her to withdraw from Wimbledon. But Sabalenka bounced back with a retaliation in the latter half of the year.

She secured her third Grand Slam title at the US Open, compensating for her heartbreaking loss in the 2023 final. Additionally, she claimed achievements at the Cincinnati and Wuhan 1000-level tournaments. In October, Sabalenka reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking from Iga Swiatek and finished the year as the top player, with a substantial points lead over her competitors.

Chris Evert admired Sabalenka’s newfound emotional composure, while Mark Goodall highlighted her stability, power, and improved variety. Together, these qualities made her the unified choice for the WTA Player of the Year award.

A Year to Remember

2024 will be remembered as the year Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka redefined greatness in tennis. From Sinner’s unyielding dominance and overcoming challenges to Sabalenka’s determination and stellar performances, both players left an unforgettable mark on the sport.

As we look ahead to 2025, fans can only hope for more phenomenal moments from these two champions, who have proven they are here to stay at the top of their game.

Cover Credits - The SportsRush