“Remarkable Depth on WTA Tour: Four Different Grand Slam & WTA 1000 Champions in 2023

**Diverse Champions and Close Contests**

In an era of sport that is seeing a remarkable surge in competitiveness, women’s tennis has been at the forefront. The 2024 season’s first Grand Slam and four WTA 1000 events have produced four different champions, a testament to the incredible depth on the Hologic WTA Tour.

“It’s happening on both tours now more and more, where you can think that there’s 20 different people that you wouldn’t be surprised if they end up winning the tournament,” Madison Keys said Tuesday in Rome. “I think part of it is because we’ve kind of lost some of our legends…

But I also think the base level has gotten much higher,” Keys continued. “The margin for error has gotten smaller. I think you’re kind of seeing that with some of the wins and the losses just because it’s so much closer, where if they’re both playing well, you’re going to have a great match.”

From Jessica Pegula’s triumph on green clay at Charleston to такие as Jelena Ostapenko upsetting the No. 1 and 2 seeds on her way to the title in Stuttgart, and Naomi Osaka’s first clay crown in Saint Malo, the stage has been set for thrilling contests this year.

**Rising Stars and Veterans Alike Shine**

purple patch of form by World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has been one of the season’s standout stories. The 27-year-old Belarusian turned in a year older on Cinco de Mayo, celebrating with another title in Madrid and a day off from training.

“So I had fun. Yeah, it was a beautiful day. Much better than if I would have to play a match, come back home very late, there’s no time to celebrate,” Sabalenka reflected. “So that was good. It was really beautiful day and probably the best birthday I ever had.”

Meanwhile, teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva is making waves with consecutive WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells. Though she’s yet to win a match in Rome, her coach, Conchita Martinez, knows a thing or two about succeeding in the Eternal City, having won the event four times.

**A New Guard Emerge**

19-year-old Coco Gauff is no longer alone at the forefront of the next generation. With Andreeva, 18, and compatriots such as Alexandra Eala, 21, and Diana Shnaider, 20, Gauff now has contemporaries to share the spotlight with.

“When I was younger, I never cared about my age or anything like that, but now having more friends around, it does make a difference,” Gauff said. “From a personal standpoint, it’s great to have people around my age to relate to and connect with.”

**Clay Court Challenges**

For power players like Madison Keys, clay courts can present unique puzzles.

“I think some years I probably played a little bit too passive and tried to become a clay-courter,” Keys said. “The more matches I get, the more comfortable I feel. It’s similar to anything else; it’s about finding that happy medium and tweaking your game as needed.”

**Staying Present and Focused**

Aryna Sabalenka is currently leading the PIF WTA Rankings, but she’s not dwelling on the points gap.

“I always say I go reflect on the season by the end of the season,” Sabalenka said. “Right now, if I think about what I was able to achieve this season already, I’m like, ‘Wow, that’s a lot.’ But I try to take it one step at a time and focus on each tournament, each match, do not stay in the past.”

**Related Articles**

• Madison Keys: Australian Open Champion
• Mirra Andreeva: Leading the Next Generation
• Arya Sabalenka: The Dominant World No. 1