Iga Swiatek Survives Danielle Collins Battle and the Biggest WTA Grand Slam Moments of 2024

Top WTA Grand Slam Matches of 2024: A Year of Thrills and Drama

The 2024 tennis season provided some unforgettable moments, and among them were a series of WTA Grand Slam matches that stood out for their intensity, dramatic comebacks, and historic milestones. Here’s a look at some of the best WTA matches from the year, featuring standout performances from Iga Swiatek, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Barbora Krejcikova, and Aryna Sabalenka.

5. Iga Swiatek vs. Danielle Collins – Australian Open Round 2

In a thrilling second-round match at the Australian Open, Iga Swiatek fought back from a 4-1 deficit in the final set to defeat Danielle Collins 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. Swiatek showed incredible resilience, recovering from 0-40 down at 4-3 on serve, winning five consecutive games to complete her comeback. After the match, she joked, “I was at the airport already,” capturing the drama of her win. Swiatek’s victory marked an exciting start to her 2024 season, though she was later upset by Linda Noskova.

4. Beatriz Haddad Maia vs. Caroline Wozniacki – US Open Round 4

Beatriz Haddad Maia delivered one of the most emotional performances of the year, defeating Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-7(7), 6-3 in a two-hour, 41-minute battle at the US Open. This victory, which took Haddad Maia to the quarterfinals, was particularly special as she matched Maria Bueno’s 1968 achievement for Brazil. Off the court, Haddad Maia revealed that she was playing in honor of her physiotherapist’s late son, showing incredible strength despite personal tragedy.

3. Barbora Krejcikova vs. Jasmine Paolini – Wimbledon Final

At Wimbledon, Barbora Krejcikova triumphed over Jasmine Paolini in a thrilling three-set final (6-2, 2-6, 6-4), securing her second Grand Slam title. Despite both players being unseeded at the start of the tournament, their final was filled with tension, as Krejcikova sought to honor her late mentor Jana Novotna. Krejcikova’s win was both emotional and historic, as she joined the ranks of Wimbledon champions, cementing her place in tennis history.

2. Zheng Qinwen vs. Donna Vekic – US Open Round 4

In one of the longest and latest finishes in US Open history, Zheng Qinwen triumphed over Donna Vekic in a nearly three-hour match, winning 7-6(6), 6-7(5), 6-4. This thrilling encounter set a new record for the latest finish in a women’s match at the Open, ending at 2:13 a.m. Despite Vekic hitting more winners, Zheng’s powerful serving and mental fortitude helped her secure a place in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year. Zheng’s victory added another impressive chapter to her rise as one of the WTA’s rising stars.

1. Aryna Sabalenka vs. Emma Navarro – US Open Semifinals

The US Open semifinals saw Aryna Sabalenka take on Emma Navarro in a highly anticipated clash. While Sabalenka won in straight sets (6-3, 7-5), the match was one of the year’s best due to the quality of tennis and the stakes involved. Navarro, fresh off a fourth-round upset of Coco Gauff, pushed Sabalenka to the limit, but Sabalenka’s experience and resilience shone through. After losing the previous year’s final to Coco Gauff, Sabalenka made sure history wouldn’t repeat itself, reaching the final and eventually winning the US Open title, completing a redemption arc.

Conclusion

2024 was a year of memorable WTA Grand Slam matches, each with its own dramatic flair. From Swiatek’s comeback in Melbourne to Sabalenka’s triumph in New York, these matches demonstrated the passion, resilience, and skill of the sport’s top athletes. As we look back, these moments will remain some of the most thrilling in recent tennis history, defining the 2024 season for women’s tennis.