The world of tennis witnessed a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 season as rising stars and underdogs alike left their mark on the sport’s biggest stages. From Coco Gauff’s resilient run to the WTA Finals title to the stunning upsets by qualifiers in the last ATP tournaments, the final weeks of the season delivered no shortage of drama and excitement.
Gauff’s Gritty Comeback Secures WTA Finals Glory
American sensation Coco Gauff capped off a remarkable year by clinching the prestigious WTA Finals trophy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 20-year-old phenom, who also triumphed at the US Open in 2023, showcased her mental fortitude and never-say-die attitude en route to the biggest title of her career.
Gauff’s path to glory was far from easy, as she had to overcome the world’s top two players, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, in the semifinals and group stage, respectively. In a grueling final against China’s Zheng Qinwen, Gauff found herself on the brink of defeat, trailing 5-3 in the decisive set. However, the young American dug deep, reeling off four straight games to force a tiebreak, which she dominated to secure a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) victory in the longest title match in WTA Finals history.
At the end of the match, when I fell on the floor, I didn’t think I was going to do that. I kind of made a promise to myself that I will only save that for Grand Slams, but honestly, the way the match went, I was like, ‘I’m just tired. I just want to lay on the ground.’
Coco Gauff, reflecting on her emotional celebration
Gauff’s triumph not only earned her a record-setting $4.8 million paycheck but also solidified her status as a true force in women’s tennis. She became the first American to win the WTA Finals since Serena Williams in 2014 and the youngest player to claim the title since Maria Sharapova in 2004.
Qualifiers Shine in Final ATP Tournaments
While the WTA Finals took center stage, the ATP Tour witnessed its own share of surprises as qualifiers Denis Shapovalov and Benjamin Bonzi stunned the field to capture titles in Belgrade and Metz, respectively.
For Shapovalov, the Belgrade Open marked his first ATP title in five years and his first final appearance in over two years. The 25-year-old Canadian, who had been hampered by injuries and inconsistent form, found his groove in Serbia, winning seven matches in eight days and dropping just one set en route to the trophy. In the final, Shapovalov dispatched hometown favorite Hamad Medjedovic 6-4, 6-4, falling to the ground in celebration as he savored the long-awaited moment of triumph.
Meanwhile, in Metz, France, 28-year-old Benjamin Bonzi defied the odds to claim his maiden ATP title at the Moselle Open. Bonzi, who had failed to win a single tour-level match in 2024 before the tournament, embarked on a fairytale run, defeating top-seeded Cameron Norrie 7-6 (6), 6-4 in the final. The Frenchman’s emotional reaction upon clinching the title captured the essence of his incredible journey from qualifier to champion.
Sabalenka Secures Year-End No. 1 Ranking
Despite falling short in the WTA Finals, Aryna Sabalenka had reason to celebrate as she clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career. The Belarusian, who won two Grand Slam titles in 2024, edged out Iga Swiatek for the top spot, becoming the 16th player in WTA history to achieve the feat. Sabalenka’s consistency and success throughout the season, which included a streak of five consecutive years finishing in the top 10, solidified her position as the tour’s dominant force.
ATP Finals Kick Off with Medvedev Meltdown
As the ATP Finals got underway in Turin, Italy, the tournament’s opening day was marked by Daniil Medvedev’s on-court meltdown during his match against Taylor Fritz. Frustrated by a series of double faults and a close line call, the Russian smashed his racket and hit an on-court microphone, resulting in a point penalty. Medvedev’s antics overshadowed Fritz’s impressive 6-4, 6-3 victory, as the American kept his focus amidst the chaos to secure a crucial win in the group stage.
I was just laughing. I think he’s really funny, to be honest.
Taylor Fritz, reacting to Medvedev’s on-court antics
As the 2024 tennis season draws to a close, the sport’s brightest stars and emerging talents have left an indelible mark on the game. From Coco Gauff’s inspiring resilience to the rise of qualifiers and the crowning of a new year-end No. 1, the final weeks of the season encapsulated the drama, excitement, and unpredictability that make tennis such a captivating sport. As fans eagerly await the crowning of the ATP Finals champion, one thing is certain: the future of tennis is in good hands, and the 2025 season promises to be just as thrilling.
