Sabalenka: 2-Time WTA Player of the Year

On the 15th, the WTA, which oversees the women’s tennis tour, announced that world number one Arina Sabalenka (Belarus) was selected as ‘Player of the Year’. Sabalenka’s win is the second year in a row, and she has won four times on tour this season, including the U.S. Open.

Not only was Sabalenka named Player of the Year for the second year in a row, she also became only the third player in the last 15 years to win the award more than once. This year, she advanced to the most finals (9), won the most titles (4), had the most wins (63 wins, 12 losses), and earned $15,8519, setting a new record for the most money in a single season. Sabalenka maintained first place for two consecutive years.

Additionally, Katerina Siniakova (Czech Republic) and Taylor Townsend (USA) won the WTA ‘Doubles Team of the Year’ award. The two won their second Grand Slam title by winning this year’s Australian Open, and also advanced to the finals of the US Open. Townsend was ranked No. 1 in the doubles world for the first time in her life and became the first player to reach No. 1 in doubles as a working mother.

Siniakova has already ranked first in year-end doubles for the fifth time, tying with Martina Navratilova for the most in this category.

Amanda Anisimova (USA) received the ‘Make-your-own-Proficiency Award (MIP)’. Anisimova won her first WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Open (Doha) and China Open (Beijing), and advanced to her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon and the US Open, advancing to the finals a total of five times. She finished a memorable season by finishing in the top 10 in July and advancing to the WTA Finals for the first time.

Belinda Bencic (Switzerland) won the ‘Comeback Player of the Year’ award. Bencic left the tour in September 2023 due to giving birth. He returned through the United Cup at the beginning of the year and attracted attention by advancing to the round of 16 at the Australian Open. Afterwards, she advanced to the semifinals of Wimbledon for the first time and won her 10th career title at the WTA 500 Pan Pacific Open held in Tokyo.

The ‘Rookie of the Year Award’ went to Victoria Mboko (Canada), who won in Montreal at the age of 19. Mboko started the season outside the top 300, but rose to 18th at the end of the year. She advanced to the third round in her first Grand Slam at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and won a fairytale title at the WTA 1000 National Bank Open.

Mboko attracted a lot of attention at the time by defeating four Grand Slammers to win the tournament.

[기사제보 tennis@tennis.co.kr]

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