Australian Open 2024: Unveiling the top contenders and stats for the WTA singles league

Aryna Sabalenka is the defending champion at the upcoming Australian Open.

Australian Open 2024: Unveiling the top contenders and stats for the WTA singles league

L-R: Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula (Images via Imago)

After a befitting end to the 2023 season with Iga Swiatek lifting the WTA Finals title and Coco Gauff winning the year’s last Grand Slam, the 2024 season that has already kicked off is expected to be equally thrilling. The year’s first Grand Slam- the 2024 Australian Open is also just a few nights away. 

The anticipation for the first Grand Slam tournament of the year is as high as ever. The fans are expecting a grueling battle between the top players on the tour for the women’s singles trophy. Aryna Sabalenka is the defending champion at the 2024 Australian Open, while Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff are also top contenders. 

YouTube video

Naomi Osaka, a two-time champion is also making a comeback at the tournament. Hence, it becomes an interesting battle. Fans must brace themselves for some thrilling matches when the tournament kicks off on 14 January.

FS Video

Who are the favorites to win Women’s Singles title at 2024 Australian Open?

While there are a few outright favorites for the title, a Grand Slam event always surprises the fans and the 2024 Australian Open is expected to be no exception. Nevertheless, below are the top five contenders for the women’s singles title at the 2024 Australian Open. 

1. Iga Swiatek

Ranked No.1 in the world and the reigning WTA Finals champion Iga Swiatek is an outright favorite to win the women’s singles title at the 2024 Australian Open.

Iga-Swiatek-AO24
Iga Swiatek in action (Image via Imago)

The 21-year-old Pole is clearly ahead of her peers at the moment. Swiatek had a stellar run in the 2023 season. The early exit from the 2023 US Open was an aberration in what was a top-notch season for Swiatek. The Polish ace won the French Open and also reached several finals.

While Swiatek has four Grand Slam titles to her credit, an Australian Open title has eluded the 22-year-old. Nevertheless, Swiatek stands a chance to break the jinx this year. She has started the season with four wins on the trot in singles. Now, it is totally up to the Polish ace to carry the momentum into the year’s first Grand Slam tournament.

2. Aryna Sabalenka

Defending champion and World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka is right there at the top with Iga Swiatek. Although it took Sabalenka some time to win her maiden Grand Slam title, the Belarusian is a hard-working player and hence will fancy her chances at the 2024 Australian Open.

Aryna-Sabalenka-AO24
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via Imago)

Aryna Sabalenka made it to the finals of the first tournament she played in the 2024 season. The Belarusian reached the final at Brisbane International before she was defeated by Elena Rybakina. Sabalenka beat the likes of Daria Kasatkina and Victoria Azarenka en route to her finals qualification. Now, as she enters the 2024 Australian Open, the 25-year-old will look to make the most of it and defend her crown.

3. Coco Gauff

The reigning US Open champion who is touted as the next big thing in American tennis, Coco Gauff, is surely among the top contenders for the women’s singles title at the 2024 Australian Open. The 19-year-old is known for her resilience on the court.

Coco-Gauff-AO24
Coco Gauff (Image via Imago)

Gauff is a tough nut to crack and hence it becomes really difficult for her opponents to push her to the brink. Gauff beat Aryna Sabalenka at the 2023 US Open final to win her maiden Grand Slam.

Although the American does not enjoy a great record against Iga Swiatek, Gauff possesses all the skills to win another Grand Slam title and it very well might be the 2024 Australian Open. The 19-year-old will take the confidence from her successful title defense in Auckland.

4. Jessica Pegula

Jessica Pegula, often called the late bloomer, has risen to the ranks in the past few months. The 29-year-old American has been dishing out terrific performances since the last few tournaments. Pegula not only made it to the WTA Finals for a second consecutive year, but she also reached the finals.

Jessica-Pegula-AO24
Jessica Pegula in action (Image via Imago)

The World No.5 opened her 2024 campaign with the United Cup where she had a decent showing, winning one match and losing one. Now, as the focus shifts to the 2024 Australian Open, Jessica Pegula will be determined to improve her track record and land her maiden Grand Slam title. The American does possess the ability to achieve the big target.

5. Elena Rybakina

Elena Rybakina, ranked fourth in the world, is known for her consistency. The 2022 Wimbledon champion is counted among the Big Three of modern women’s tennis and deservingly so.

Elena-Rybakina-AO24
Elena Rybakina (Image via Imago)

Rybakina is known for her ability to dominate her opponents on song. The 2023 Australian Open finalist will enter the tournament as one of the favorites to win the title. The Kazakh ace has started her 2024 campaign with a title win as Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka to win the Brisbane International. She would hope to carry the momentum into the year’s first Grand Slam tournament.

In case you missed!