New Delhi: The 2024 season was a tennis year that had it all from record-breaking victories to tearful goodbyes, the past year has been a rollercoaster for tennis fans worldwide. It was a year that saw the next-generation players taking centre stage while some legends hang up their rackets leaving behind a void that will be difficult to fill.
Their journeys marked by soaring victories, hard-fought battles, and unyielding passion will continue to inspire generations. And as always the season wasn’t without its share of drama and controversy. As the year draws to a close, let’s revisit the biggest highlights of 2024-
Most title wins – Sinner and Swiatek dominate the courts
Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek stood out as the top title winners in 2024, dominating the men’s and women’s circuits respectively.
Sinner had a remarkable year having won eight titles, more than any other player on the men’s tour. His impressive haul included two Grand Slams (Australian Open and US Open), three Masters 1000 events, two ATP 500 titles, and the ATP Finals. Sinner also led Italy to a Davis Cup triumph for the second year in a row. Sinner’s eight trophies were the most titles won by a male player in a single season since Andy Murray’s nine in 2016.
Grazie Torino!!!! 🏆💪🏻💪🏻💚🤍❤️ pic.twitter.com/4ymysDFtiN
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) November 17, 2024
Others on the list include-
Carlos Alcaraz- 4
Tommy Paul- 3
Matteo Berrettini- 3
Alcaraz was the only man to win titles on all three surfaces this year- Rolland Garros (clay court), Wimbledon (grass court), and Indian Wells and Beijing (hard courts).
On the women’s side, the race for most titles was much closer but Iga Swiatek held off the rest of the field as she claimed five titles including one Grand Slam (Roland Garros) and four WTA 1000 events. This marked the third consecutive year she led the women’s tour in titles.
Hitting her marks 🎾@iga_swiatek comes back from being down 1-4 in the second set and defeats Putinseva 6-3, 6-4. #IBI24 pic.twitter.com/wIw7n9nPOv
— wta (@WTA) May 11, 2024
Others on the list include-
Arya Sabalenka- 4
Diana Shnaider- 4
Coco Gauff- 3
Zheng Qinwen- 3
Enena Rybakina- 3
Shnaider was the only woman to win titles on all surfaces this season- Budapest (clay court), Bad Homburg (grass court), and Hua Hin and Hong Kong (hard courts).
Both Sinner and Swaitek showcased extraordinary consistency and dominance throughout the season leaving a lasting mark on the 2024 season.
Paris Olympic 2024 and the last dance
The Paris Olympics 2024 started off with great hype as the second round witnessed the last match between the two legends of the sport. Rafael Nadal lost to Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 bringing down the curtains on one of the most celebrated rivalries of all time.
From there Djokovic went on to win his first Olympic gold in tennis. The 37-year-old Serbian defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling men’s singles final 7-6(3), 7-6(2). This victory not only earned Djokovic the gold medal but also completed his Career Golden Slam, a remarkable feat achieved by only five players in tennis history.
Novak Djokovic takes gold in what was made to be a thrilling men’s singles final against Carlos Alcaraz! 🎾🥇🥈#Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/ndpvRp9f4c
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 16, 2024
He joined legends like Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams in completing the set of all four Grand Slams and an Olympic singles gold. His powerful performance in the finals included saving five break points in the first set which showcased why he’s one of the greatest in the sport. Djokovic lost to Alcaraz just three weeks back in Wimbledon but bounced back hard and sealed the victory.
Meanwhile, Zheng Qinwen made history for China by winning the women’s singles gold, becoming the first Chinese player to achieve this feat. The 21-year-old defeated Croatia’s Donna Vekic 6-2, 6-3 in the final. Zheng’s calm and composed performance on Court Philippe Chatrier earned her the biggest victory of her career as she sealed the match with a forehand winner.
Qinwen Queen of Paris! 👑🥇
Qinwen Zheng becomes the first Chinese player to ever win a singles gold medal at the Olympic Tennis Event!#Paris2024 | #Olympics | #tennis pic.twitter.com/ZNYR2lND8N
— ITF (@ITFTennis) August 3, 2024
Doping controversies
The year 2024 brought significant doping scandals to the forefront of tennis involving some of the sport’s biggest names which cast a shadow over the season. Former Grand Slam champion Simona Halep was initially handed a four-year ban for testing positive for two separate anti-doping rules violations. After an appeal her ban was reduced to nine months allowing her to return to competition.
BREAKING 🚨
Simona Halep can return to professional tennis IMMEDIATELY after CAS has reduced her doping ban from 4 years to 9 months. pic.twitter.com/Jb1ENaaYvF
— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) March 5, 2024
Italian star and World No.1 Sinner also found himself embroiled in controversy after failing two tests for clostebol in March. While he avoided suspension by proving accidental contamination, WADA has appealed seeking stricter punishment.
Meanwhile, five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek also came under light in November as she accepted a one-month suspension for testing positive for a banned substance due to contamination of her sleep medication. The lack of public disclosure during her suspension even sparked allegations of favouritism.
In another shocking development, Australian doubles specialist Max Purcell voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension on December 10. Though not related to banned substances, his violation involved a “prohibited method”.
🇦🇺 Max Purcell’s explanation for his ‘doping’ ban: pic.twitter.com/gaeuhB5nkX
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) December 23, 2024
Tearful goodbyes
In 2024, the tennis courts echoed with both cheers and sobs as the sport bid a heartfelt farewell to some of its legends, marking the end of an era that was defined by grit, glory, and unforgettable moments. The year witnessed the retirement of champions who had once ruled the courts and delivered breathtaking matches, leaving a lasting imprint on the sport.
In the women’s category, the two-time Grand Slam champion officially announced her retirement at a news conference after choosing to end the extended break she had announced in 2023 as a permanent step. Reflecting on her decision, she expressed a sense of peace stating that she no longer misses the discipline or challenges of her former life and she is ready to step into the next chapter of her life.
Garbine Muguruza has retired from tennis at the age of 30. (Photo: X)
Joining her in retirement was another former World No. 1 and a silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics Angelique Kerber who also bid farewell after an emotional last match leaving fans with memories of her relentless determination and love for the game.
In the men’s category, two Big Four members chose to finally call it a day. Andy Murray, the symbol of perseverance chose the grand stage of the Olympics for his swansong. While his final doubles campaign with Daniel Evans ended in the quarterfinals, Murray departed on his own terms, a moment of triumph considering the injuries that had threatened to end his career prematurely.
After defeat in the Olympic men’s doubles quarter-finals, Sir Andy Murray’s professional tennis career comes to an end.
An undisputed legend of the sport. 👏#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/6S2c8sopgF
— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 1, 2024
Meanwhile, the 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem played his last professional match at the Vienna Open. Despite his struggles with injury Thiem’s elegant style and resilience ensured his place in tennis lore.
One of the greatest players in the history of tennis Rafael Nadal brought down the curtain on his illustrious career during the Davis Cup Finals in November. Though Spain fell short in the quarterfinals against the Netherlands, Nadal’s farewell was filled with gratitude as he spoke in his farewell speech, “I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I really feel is not just a sporting one but a personal one.”
And that’s how we’ll always remember you, Rafa#DavisCup #Rafa #GraciasRafa pic.twitter.com/XWEGT35anq
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro delivered an emotional goodbye in front of his home crowd in Buenos Aires. Martin defeated Novak Djokovic in an exhibition match 6-4, 7-5. The man known for his thunderous forehand and endearing humility, Del Potro’s farewell was a celebration of a career that was defined by courage and resilience.
Bopanna, Nagal, and new joinees in Tennis Hall of Fame
Rohan Bopanna made history in the 2024 Australian Open as he became the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title in the Open Era. At 43, he along with his Australian partner Matthew Ebden triumphed in the men’s doubles final defeating Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6, 7-5. This victory not only earned Bopanna a Grand Slam but also saw him rise to the top of the ATP men’s doubles rankings.
“Talk about producing your best tennis when it really mattered.”
Rohan Bopanna is a Grand Slam Champion at 43, fantastic scenes 🏆 pic.twitter.com/7QKLPMgN63
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 27, 2024
In another major achievement for Indian tennis, Sumit Nagal broke into the Top 100 of the ATP rankings. Starting the Chennai Open ATP Challenger ranked 121, Nagal battled his way through to win the title defeating Italy’s Luca Nardi 6-1, 6-4 in the final. This victory marked his fifth ATP Challenger title and made him the first Indian since Prajnesh Gunneswaran in 2019 to break into the ATP Top 100.
Additionally, Indian tennis legends Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj were inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame as its 265th and 267th members. Paes and Amritraj were honoured for their exceptional careers as they joined the prestigious list that includes fellow tennis great legends.
Take a look back at the past year in tennis featuring record-breaking titles, emotional retirements, and shocking doping controversies that shaped the sport’s landscape. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
