The WTA tour may have concluded, but the impact of top players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff continues to resonate globally. Sabalenka finished the season as World No. 1, a goal she achieved despite not winning the Finals title. Her year was impressive, clinching two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and the US Open, along with victories at the Cincinnati Open and the Wuhan Open. To say that she’s a dominant force amongst the rest of the roster is an understatement. But what truly separates her from the rest?

On November 12th, during an episode of the Served podcast, Andy Roddick discussed Sabalenka’s remarkable season. He described her as “an outsized personality amongst personalities,” highlighting her raw talent and powerful play. Roddick also emphasized that the current women’s tour is exceptional, stating, “The women’s tour right now…it’s fantastic.” He praised the unique qualities each player brings to the court.

Iga Swiatek, currently ranked No. 2, also had a standout season. Roddick noted, “Iga runs stressed,” referring to her intense competitive nature. Before taking a brief break ahead of the Asian swing, Swiatek secured five titles, including the Madrid Open and a Grand Slam at the French Open. This fierce competition between Swiatek and Sabalenka for the top ranking has created a thrilling rivalry.

However, during the WTA Finals, Swiatek faced defeat against Coco Gauff, who emerged as the champion. Roddick remarked that Gauff “operates in a different way.” Impressed with the approach of the players on the Tour, Roddick further added, “It’s nice when you suspect things for players and they come and they go, yeah playing speed is what we had to do.”

Despite not winning the Finals, Sabalenka remains a favorite for Roddick. He admires her ability to reflect on her game and improve, “I love that she went into specifics about how to kind of fill those gaps.” This adaptability makes her a complete tennis player beyond just her physical prowess. In the past, Roddick has consistently applauded Sabalenka’s resilience throughout the tour. Her triumph over Qinwen Zheng at the Wuhan Open was particularly notable. Through a grueling match lasting 2 hours and 40 minutes, she won 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

The Belarusian is on a high after receiving her trophy for finishing the year as World No. 1. She showed her down-to-earth side as she shared her joy on social media in a heartfelt post, thanking everyone who supported her through the highs and lows of the season.

Sabalenka gives a tribute to those who helped her make it to the end!

After a whirlwind season, Aryna Sabalenka is basking in the glow of her first trophy as World No. 1. On Instagram, she posted pictures of herself while cradling the coveted trophy. In her heartfelt message, she expressed gratitude, saying, “Year-end No. 1! 🏆 Wouldn’t be able to hold this beautiful trophy yet again without all of the support and love I received throughout the season. Thank you ❤️.”

This season was not without its challenges for Sabalenka, and that included both personal and professional challenges. She worked through the heartbreak of losing her ex-boyfriend ahead of the Miami Open and later facing a shoulder injury at Wimbledon. Ultimately, defying expectations, she delivered fierce performances during the North American and Asian swings, surpassing Iga Swiatek to the top!

While Sabalenka achieved this prestigious ranking, her performance at the year-ending championships in Riyadh seemed to take a hit. She suffered two losses, including a wake-up call against Elena Rybakina in the group stage. After that match, she candidly admitted, “Well, honestly, this is something I have to learn. How to keep myself motivated and hungry.” In the semifinals, she fell to Coco Gauff in straight sets, leaving her with mixed feelings about an otherwise successful season.

Despite these setbacks, the Belarusian looks forward to the 2025 season with ambitious goals and a fierce determination to improve, knowing that every champion faces challenges and that setbacks can fuel future success. Her ability to bounce back from a dip in the road is commendable and she’s proved herself well this year. But will her experiences drive her for an even more powerful run next season? What do you think?