Season Summary: Rybakina Shines, but Sabalenka Ranks Higher
The year-end tournament in Riyadh gave us plenty to ponder. We can consider the women's tennis season over, so it's time to draw conclusions. What did we learn this year? Who inspired us, who disappointed, and who surprised us? There was a plethora of news, and the year-end tournament was no exception. Our team closely followed all the matches and the surrounding events. Therefore, we have much to share.
Two Russians in the Top 10
Throughout the year, we observed changes in the top 10 of the world rankings. The only constant was Aryna Sabalenka's position. The Belarusian athlete secured the top spot for a long time. With a significant lead over everyone, it's no surprise that she reached the final of the year-end tournament, even though she lost. In any case, Sabalenka showcased one of her best seasons, but there's still more to come. Perhaps in the new year, we will see a completely new Aryna, as opponents have already learned how to play against her.
The USA has the most representatives in the top 10, with four athletes. One of them entered the top ten relatively recently, but more on that later. For now, let's focus on the Russians who remained in the top 10. First is Mirra Andreeva. The young tennis player stopped delighting her fans towards the end of the year. And there are many fans, as Mirra Andreeva's supporters created the channel VOMA – all about Mirra Andreeva. The young Russian attracts a lot of attention both on and off the court. Perhaps this is what distracts her.
As soon as the stands put pressure or opponents use minor tricks, Andreeva's game falls apart. Even Martinez, who sits in the stands, doesn't help. Andreeva is only 18 years old and missed the year-end tournament, although she could have participated, giving her spot to Alexandrova. Andreeva cited physical unpreparedness as the reason. But most likely, Mirra urgently needs a break because even in doubles with Schneider, she couldn't showcase her skills at the year-end event.
Ekaterina Alexandrova is in tenth place, showing very consistent results towards the end of the season. The Russian consistently reached advanced stages in many tournaments, even winning some. Her high ranking is perhaps the most surprising, much like Belinda Bencic's appearance. Few expected such results from Alexandrova, but she managed to surpass herself. Will Ekaterina continue to perform as confidently next year? It's hard to answer this question with certainty, as Alexandrova might start to falter.
What Happened at the Year-End Tournament?
The year-end tournament offered plenty of intrigue. Firstly, Madison Keys withdrew during the group stage, as she wouldn't have advanced to the playoffs. Secondly, Alexandrova replaced her, played one match, lost, but earned some points and prize money. Not the most exciting news. Much more interesting is that Amanda Anisimova delighted everyone once again. The American defeated Iga Świątek – the Polish player lost for the first time in four years.lost two matches in a row for the first time in her career, losing both despite winning the first set in each.
Anisimova eventually advanced from second place to the playoffs but couldn't overcome Sabalenka in the semifinals. Nonetheless, Amanda once again displayed a vibrant fight and determination to win. Let's recall that she started this year well outside the top 10, even the top 20. But a couple of finals, a couple of wins at Masters tournaments, a few consistent performances, and now Anisimova is already in fourth place, breathing down Cori Gauff's neck. Amanda has faced numerous challenges throughout her career, including emotional and psychological setbacks. Yet, she improves every time something doesn't go her way. The award for the strongest character goes to Amanda Anisimova.
The main star of the tournament, undeniably, hails from Russia but represents Kazakhstan. The year-end champion is Elena Rybakina. Throughout the season, many questions arose about her, but by the end of the year, Elena managed to climb into the top 8 and secure her place at the year-end tournament, where we witnessed what she had been preparing for us all these months. And that is simply an incredible serve. Despite having shoulder issues and playing matches with tape, Rybakina still delivered many aces, with the ball consistently hitting the backline, leaving opponents unable to handle her power.
It seemed that Sabalenka might be able to stop her. Indeed, Aryna played aggressively, applying pressure with strong serves, and initially, Rybakina struggled. But then we saw a return that unsettled the world number one. Once again, the ball flew precisely to the backline. Once again, it was exceptionally beautiful. Rybakina returned to reign. Yes, she didn't succeed in Grand Slam tournaments, but if Elena maintains her position and continues to show such confident play, next year we might witness bright tennis from her with numerous significant victories.
Disappointments of the Year
Probably no one would argue that one of the biggest disappointments was Daria Kasatkina. She fell in the rankings from the top 10 to 37th place. Numerous psychological issues have translated onto the court. Change of citizenship, hate on social media, even threats towards her and her mother. It's challenging to cope with such things, which is why her results have worsened. It's unclear how Kasatkina will manage these problems, or if she can at all, and whether she will return to the top next year.
Barbora Krejcikova was in tenth place in the first week, right behind Daria Kasatkina. Now we see the Czech player at 65th. Yes, it's understandable that Barbora missed a lot, playing her first match this year only in May, and even the US Open quarterfinal didn't save her from falling. The question remains: can the Czech return to the top? After such a long break, it will be very difficult.
And how many hopes were there for Elina Avanesyan? The Armenian tennis player was in the top 40 of the world rankings! And now? 120th place and simply terrible results. The athlete couldn't find her game, losing loudly, losing devastatingly, and veryit's unfortunate. Perhaps such defeats are what broke her spirit.
Rise of the Year
Now, let's talk about the positive. About those who managed to rise from the bottom, delighting with bright play and loud results. We've already mentioned that Amanda Anisimova started this year far back, at 36th place in the world rankings. But consistent results, especially towards the end of the year, allowed her to climb to fourth place. Perhaps this is the most beautiful leap, symbolizing self-improvement and the ability to overcome challenges. But it's not just about Anisimova.
Remember Lua Boisson? The very one who reached the semifinals of Roland Garros, earned more money at this tournament than in her entire career, and gained so many points that she jumped 296 places in the world rankings to land at 65th. Did you think she stopped there? Not at all! Boisson is now at 36th place and can secure spots in the main draw of many tournaments. Yes, it may not be a story for a movie, but it certainly deserves applause.
And, of course, let's not forget Naomi Osaka. The Japanese player returned to professional tennis after pausing her career. She started the year at 50th place and is now at 16th. While this may not be the biggest leap, Osaka is a legend who has won a Grand Slam tournament. Many awaited her return. Throughout the year, Naomi regained her form, returned to her peak, reached the semifinals of the US Open, and the finals of the Masters 1000 in Montreal, and that's just towards the end of the season.
What's Next?
Now we face a break, at least for the top players. Ahead are nine more weeks of tennis, during which the rankings will be updated. But the top 30 will remain unchanged. Only less prestigious tournaments will take place, in which the world's strongest won't participate. Therefore, we can already summarize. This year was very eventful, with many names and loud results. Enough surprises were provided to make even more people fall in love with tennis.
Our editorial team continues to follow world tennis and delight you with daily predictions, even for not the most high-profile tournaments. The next analysis will occur before the start of the Australian Open, which is not as far away as it seems.
