Iga Swiatek vs Aryna Sabalenka: Who Dominated the WTA in 2024

The 2024 WTA season offered tennis fans thrilling matches and intense rivalries, but two players stood above the rest: Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. Both women displayed exceptional skill, winning major titles and maintaining dominance in the rankings. As the season ends, the debate over who was the best WTA player of the year remains. Let’s analyze their performances across key metrics to determine the standout star of 2024.

Grand Slam Glory

Aryna Sabalenka had a stellar year in Grand Slam tournaments. The Belarusian successfully defended her Australian Open crown and captured her maiden US Open title, a remarkable comeback after losing in the 2023 final. Her 18 Grand Slam match wins were the highest on the WTA tour, even though she missed Wimbledon due to injury and faced illness during the French Open. Sabalenka finished the year with an impressive 18-1 record in majors.

Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek continued her dominance at Roland Garros, claiming her fourth French Open title. However, her performance at other majors lagged; she reached the quarter-finals of the US Open but failed to progress past the early rounds in Melbourne and London.

Year-End Rankings

Thanks to her Grand Slam success, Sabalenka secured the coveted year-end WTA No. 1 ranking for 2024. With 9,416 points, she comfortably led the rankings, ahead of Swiatek, who amassed 8,295 points. While Swiatek has a chance to reclaim the top spot early in 2025, Sabalenka’s consistent performance in key tournaments solidified her reign this season.

Titles Won in 2024

Sabalenka enjoyed her most prolific season, clinching four titles, including her Australian Open and US Open victories. She also claimed WTA 1000 titles in Cincinnati and Wuhan, underscoring her dominance on hard courts.

However, Swiatek outshined Sabalenka in terms of sheer title count, winning an impressive five tournaments in 2024. Alongside her French Open triumph, she claimed titles in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and Rome, defeating Sabalenka in two of those finals. Swiatek’s versatility across different surfaces proved to be a key strength.

Match Wins and Consistency

Consistency was a hallmark of Iga Swiatek’s season. She recorded a tour-leading 64 match wins with only nine losses, achieving an exceptional win rate of 87.7%. Swiatek’s ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout the year highlights her resilience and skill.

In comparison, Sabalenka posted 56 match wins with a win percentage of 80%. While not as dominant as Swiatek in this category, Sabalenka’s victories came in crucial matches, including Grand Slam finals, making her record equally impactful.

Head-to-Head Battles

The rivalry between these two stars added an extra layer of excitement to the season. Swiatek edged out Sabalenka in their 2024 head-to-head encounters, winning two out of three matches. Swiatek triumphed on the clay of Rome and in a thrilling three-set final in Madrid. Sabalenka, however, secured a commanding victory on the fast hard courts of Cincinnati.

The Verdict

Iga Swiatek demonstrated unparalleled consistency and versatility, leading the WTA in titles and match wins. However, Aryna Sabalenka’s achievements in the Grand Slams and her No. 1 ranking give her the edge as the best player of 2024. The focus on major titles and year-end rankings traditionally defines greatness, and Sabalenka excelled in these critical areas.

While both players showcased extraordinary talent, Sabalenka’s Grand Slam success and dominance at the top of the rankings make her the leading WTA star of 2024. Fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling battles between these two exceptional athletes in the coming seasons.