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Boris Becker says who is ‘clearly’ the most improved WTA player in 2024

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
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Another WTA Tour season has reached its conclusion, with plenty of intriguing storylines having played out over the last 12 months.

Coco Gauff has already returned to training as she bids to continue her momentum, having emerged victorious at the WTA Finals.

But both Tim Henman and Laura Robson agree that Aryna Sabalenka has been the standout player in 2024, having won two Grand Slams.

The Belarusian finished the season sitting top of the pile in the WTA rankings, closely followed Iga Swiatek.

Gauff occupies third spot in the list, with Jasmine Paolini and Qinwen Zheng in fourth and fifth respectively after their superb seasons.

Mutua Madrid Open - Day Twelve
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

Boris Becker left really impressed by Jasmine Paolini

World number eight Emma Navarro made the biggest improvement from 2023 to 2024 in terms of matches won, but it is Italian ace Paolini who gets Boris Becker’s vote.

READ MORE: Iga Swiatek matches Serena Williams and Steffi Graf record after her 2024 season ends

Sharing his thoughts on the most improved WTA player on X, the German commented: “Clearly Jasmine Paolini.”

Jasmine Paolini follows in Jannik Sinner’s footsteps in 2024

Paolini did her utmost to emulate compatriot Jannik Sinner’s efforts in 2024, with the latter winning eight titles.

But unlike the former, Sinner managed to get over the line when it mattered, winning the Australian Open and US Open titles.

READ MORE: The five players on the WTA Tour who have hit the most aces in 2024

Paolini only just fell short in that regard, with the Italian a runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon this summer.

RankPlayerAgeTournaments playedPoints
Aryna Sabalenka26219416
Iga Swiatek23218370
Coco Gauff20226530
Jasmine Paolini28205344
Qinwen Zheng22215340
2024 WTA Tour year-end top five (WTA Tour website)

She did, however, manage to secure a similar achievement to Sinner at the tail end of the season, with the duo playing key roles for Italy as they won the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup.

Moreover, she made tennis history for her country, with her WTA ranking of fourth the highest an Italian has ever reached.