2024 WTA Predictions: How Iga Swiatek remains on top

The 2023 WTA was one of the most competitive and exciting in recent years. Four different players won singles majors, including first-time major winners Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff. At one point, Iga Swiatek lost her number-one ranking to Sabalenka.

However, Iga Swiatek stormed through the WTA Finals to finish as world number one. I expect Swiatek to remain the world’s best player during the upcoming season.

So what will happen at each Grand Slam in women’s tennis in 2024? Here are a few guesses.

Major predictions for 2024 WTA tour include Iga Swiatek remaining strong

Australian Open

Last year’s Australian Open final was perhaps the best match of the year. Aryna Sabalenka outhit Elena Rybakina in a battle of two of the tour’s brightest stars and biggest hitters. Given that the Australian Open tends to favor big hitters, Sabalenka and Rybakina should be among the favorites to win the title. Keep an eye out for big hitters Jelena Ostapenko, Petra Kvitova, and Zheng Qinwen, as they have the ability to hit through the field. And, never discount Iga Swiatek at any tournament on any surface.

French Open

Can anyone stop Iga Swiatek at the French Open? I highly doubt it. Not since Justine Henin has a female player dominated the French Open like Iga has. Players like Coco Gauff, Karolina Muchova, and Ons Jabeur have the speed and variety to make deep runs again, but Swiatek is on a different level when she gets on the French clay. Swiatek should sweep to a fourth French Open title.

Wimbledon

It’s hard not to feel for Ons Jabeur. Jabeur has fallen in the Wimbledon final in the last two years. Jabeur was likely the favorite for both matches as well. Jabeur’s variety and all-court game means that she will always be one of the favorites on grass. However, Jabeur can be outhit on the grass and will need to strike a balance between aggression and defense. I believe Jabeur will win a major one day, but I don’t think it will be on the grass. I predict the next Wimbledon champion will be a dark house; possibly former number one Karolina Pliskova.

US Open

Coco Gauff thrilled the American crowds with her meteoric summer hard court swing. Gauff culminated a sensational summer by romping to her first grand slam title. Gauff used her explosive movement and improved forehand to defeat Sabalenka on the slow New York hard courts. It will be interesting to see how she handles her first major title defense. I think she will make another deep run, but I don’t see her being able to overcome the likes of Swiatek here.