Tennis Season Wrapped 2024
Another tennis year has come to an end, which means that it’s time for a recap of everything important that happened in the tennis world this year.
First things first, who were the winners of the biggest titles?
Sinner and Sabalenka on the Today Show
Sinner and Sabalenka dominated the hard courts, cementing their status as the years’ standout players. On the clay courts of Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek proved their prowess by claiming victories. Alcaraz successfully defended his Wimbledon title and completed the Channel Slam (French Open and Wimbledon in the same year), while Barbora Krejcikova won her second Gram Slam. 2024 was a true changing of the guard on the men’s side as Novak Djokovic, and the rest of the Big 4 players failed to win a slam, showing that Sinner and Alcaraz (and their thrilling rivalry) are the future of men’s tennis.
Australian Open- Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka
French Open- Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek
Wimbledon- Carlos Alcaraz, Barbora Krejcikova
US Open- Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka
These are the current top 5 rankings for both men and women
ATP
Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jasmine Paolini, Qinwen Zheng
Of course, tennis was not without controversy this year, as several off-court issues made headlines. Alexander Zverev faced domestic violence allegations in a high-profile court case, which has sparked debates about accountability and player conduct within the sport. Additionally, Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek’s fantastic seasons have been overshadowed by positive drug tests, as both tested for prohibited substances after major tournaments. This remains one of the most disputed topics in tennis and has raised questions about protocols and integrity.
Challengers was a hit movie this year (Challengers)
Perhaps the biggest highlight from this tennis season is the sport’s explosive resurgence in pop culture and media, which is due to a few reasons. The movie ‘Challengers’ captivated audiences and inspired a rise of interest in the sport- because who wouldn’t want to play the game Zendaya is smashing on screen? Beyond Hollywood, the tennis world is gaining even more visibility thanks to its dynamic WAGs. Morgan Riddle (Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend) and Paige Lorenze (Tommy Paul’s girlfriend) have become essential names in tennis as influencers who offer fans an entertaining behind-the-scenes look. Their content has brought tennis to new audiences, blending glamour, storytelling, and insider perspectives. A wave of fresh sponsorships from fashion brands like Lululemon (Leylah Fernandez), Alo (Anna Kalinskaya), Hugo Boss (Matteo Berrettini/Taylor Fritz), and Free People (Sloane Stephens) showcases how tennis is now as much about style as it is about skill.
Breakout Stars
Jasmine Paolini entered the scene this year (Getty Images)
It was a season where several rising stars made their mark on the global stage. Jasmine Paolini emerged as a force, claiming her first WTA 1000 title and reaching the Wimbledon final. Taylor Fritz also took his game to new heights, becoming a consistent threat in the later rounds of major tournaments and made the US Open final for the first time in his career. Jack Draper also earned his first ATP title, beat Alcaraz on the grass at Queens, and has climbed into the top 20, firmly securing his place among the best players on the circuit. Alexei Popyrin also clinched two ATP titles and delivered memorable upsets against top-ranked players, most notably when he beat Djokovic in the third round at the US Open. These are definitely names to be watching out for next year among other newcomers.
Top 5 Best Moments
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at the US Open (Getty Images)
Djokovic vs Alcaraz at the Olympics
It was possibly the best match of the year as these two top players battled for gold just weeks after meeting in the Wimbledon final. Djokovic won the epic battle and added a gold medal to his collection alongside 24 Grand Slam titles.
2. Taylor and Travis at the US Open final singing and dancing to “I Believe in a Thing Called Love”
One of the cutest moments was when the couple was lost in their own world during one of their favorite songs—the alchemy is truly real with these two.
3. Retirements
2024 marked the last matches for two of the greatest male players ever, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. Both have now officially retired from the sport, but they have individually left an incredible legacy on tennis forever.
4. Bees at Indian Wells
A quarterfinal match at the Indian Wells tournament in Palm Springs, California, was halted after an invasion of bees on the court! Alcaraz was stung on the forehead as his match against Zverev experienced a significant delay.
5. Djokovic Hires Murray
Though Murray is no longer playing, he and his longtime rival and friend Djokovic surprised everyone by announcing that they were teaming up. Murray will coach Djokovic from next year, which is probably the most exciting thing to look forward to in 2025. The season starts in Australia with a couple of different tournaments before the first Slam of the year, the Australian Open, in January.