The 2024
WTA Awards have unveiled their latest winners, with
Ons Jabeur and Aryna
Sabalenka among the standouts. Following her remarkable achievements in 2023,
Jabeur repeated her success, while Sabalenka earned a new recognition for her
contributions to women’s tennis off the court.
The
announcement comes a day after
Aryna Sabalenka was crowned Player of the Year,
Paula Badosa was named Comeback Player of the Year, and Emma Navarro took home
the Most Improved Player award. However, the spotlight also turned to the
remaining categories, including Coach of the Year and Player Service Award.
Jabeur makes history with back-to-back WTA Award wins
Former
world No. 2 Ons Jabeur achieved a rare feat by retaining both the Karen
Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award and the Peachy Kellmeyer Player Service Award for
a second consecutive year. She is now the first player to win both awards in
back-to-back seasons.
The Karen
Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award recognises her kindness, sportsmanship, and
respect for her peers and the sport, while the Peachy Kellmeyer Player Service
Award highlights her exceptional support for fellow players and her initiatives
benefiting the broader tennis community. Both awards are determined by a vote
among her WTA colleagues.
Meanwhile,
Aryna Sabalenka received the Jerry Diamond ACES Award, presented annually since
1995 in memory of former WTA CEO Jerry Diamond. This honour recognises
Sabalenka’s dedication to promoting women’s tennis through her work with fans,
media, and local communities, as well as her involvement in charitable
activities. Previous recipients include Angelique Kerber, Elina Svitolina, and
Jessica Pegula.
In another
major highlight, Renzo Furlan was named Coach of the Year. The Italian was
instrumental in
Jasmine Paolini’s rise to world No. 4, guiding her to
back-to-back finals at the French Open and Wimbledon, a WTA 1000 title in
Dubai, and a gold medal in doubles with
Sara Errani at the Olympic Games.