Top rivalries to watch in women's singles tennis in 2024

Published at :February 16, 2024 at 10:57 PM

Modified at :February 17, 2024 at 1:37 PM

(Courtesy : AFP)

The WTA Tour featured four distinct Grand Slam winners in 2023.

Even before the Open Era began in 1968, the women’s division of the tour has seen several notable rivalries. From the “Battle of the Helens” in the 1930s to the Williams sisters taking center stage in the 2000s, women’s tennis has witnessed fascinating encounters that have captivated viewers for years. Undoubtedly, tennis enthusiasts worldwide enjoy witnessing top players engage in friendly, and sometimes not-so-friendly, rivalries.

Over the years, there have been many amazing rivalries between players. Some stand out more than others in terms of their fan base, skill level, match intensity, and excitement. In 2023, there were four different Grand Slam champions on the WTA Tour, three of whom were first-time winners.

The top five players on the WTA Tour, three of whom were major champions the previous season, are expected to continue their strong performances this year. As we welcome the new year, let’s look at the top women’s tennis singles rivalries to watch in 2024.

Rivalries to watch in women’s singles tennis in 2024

1. Iga Swiatek vs Aryna Sabalenka

While women’s tennis doesn’t have the thrill of long-standing rivalries or a “Big Three,” the rise of Polish phenomenon Iga Świątek and others may herald a new era in the game. It is suggested that Iga, along with Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, could become the upcoming “Big Three” in women’s tennis.

Currently ranked 1, 2, and 4, these players have had to step up their game due to Swiatek’s almost unbeatable skill. This is particularly true for Sabalenka, who, in the last two years, has risen to the challenge. Sabalenka, known for her aggressive style of play, has a growling tiger tattoo on her left forearm, complementing her Amazonian build. Before Iga Swiatek won the French Open for the third time, Aryna Sabalenka emerged as the winner in her maiden major at the Australian Open.

The two have faced each other nine times, with Swiatek leading 6-3 overall, 3-2 on hard court, and 3-1 on clay. Both have reached the No. 1 rankings in their career. As Grand Slam winners with aggressive games and a strong desire to compete, they have all the ingredients for a fantastic rivalry.

2. Coco Gauff vs Elena Rybakina

Coco Gauff was always seen as a star, and after winning her first Grand Slam last year, she proved it. Having lost the first set to a formidable Sabalenka, Gauff faced a daunting task as the youngest adolescent competitor in a US Open final since Serena Williams in 2001. However, she rallied to win her maiden Grand Slam title.

After winning her first major, the American tennis sensation Gauff expressed her excitement. The 19-year-old is eager to seek further victories of this kind in the 2024 campaign. On the other hand, Elena Rybakina’s greatest achievement came in the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, where she became the first Kazakhstani player to win a Grand Slam event by securing the women’s singles title. The 24-year-old has been giving a tough fight to the top players in WTA.

Throughout the last season, Rybakina served as a great foil, her accurate serving and flat baseline style contributing to the ultimate result. Both players are continually improving, despite their top five ranks. They may encounter each other again at the WTA 1000s and the Slams qualifying rounds in the coming years. Their competition has driven the game to previously unheard-of levels of brilliance and attraction, and their matchups have provided the narrative that has driven every grand slam to its inevitable conclusion.

Gauff and Rybakina ranked 3 and 4, have met twice in singles match, with the American rising star winning both. However, the last time they met at the Dubai Tennis Championships in 2023, it was a walkover.

3. Iga Swiatek vs Jessica Pegula

Jessica Pegula has advanced to the quarterfinals of five of the past eight Grand Slams. In 2024, she appears ready to advance at least a step and give a tough fight to the top players. Having gone 3-0 in the WTA Finals group stage and then defeating strong Gauff in the semifinals, Pegula concluded the season on a high note. Despite losing to Swiatek in the championship match, Pegula’s 9-5 win-loss record against the top-10 players in 2023 offers a lot of hope. The two have met nine times with the Pole prevailing in six matches, leading 6-3 overall, 5-3 on the hard court, and 1-0 on clay.

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