The tennis we are most familiar with today was invented by Welsh tennis player, Walter Wingfield, in 1873. He adapted the older, indoor game to the version we know today as ‘lawn tennis’. Since then, popularity of the sport has grown exponentially; watching the likes of tennis legends John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg.
However, like many other sports, the 20th century saw a struggle of equality between male and female tennis. Billie Jean King, female tennis icon and legend, recognised this and decided to setup the WTA (women’s tennis association) in 1973. It gave women the opportunity to compete under one governing body and, today, the WTA is the global leader in women’s professional sports.
But the fight for female tennis did not end there. That same year, former world no.1, Bobby Riggs, challenged Billie Jean King to the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match, to take place on September 20th, 1973. In what would become the most watched tennis match of all time, King defied all odds against her; beating the leading male player in straight sets, 6:2 6:1. This set the foundation for equal pay between male and female tennis.
Today’s generation is more likely to be familiar with the likes of Serena Williams, retired former world no.1, who changed the game of women’s tennis on so many levels. During her time on tour, media coverage sky rocketed; not only selling out arenas, but seeing female tennis players (herself and others included) featuring on TV appearances, and inspiring Netflix documentaries.
However, since her retirement there has been a significant shift in female tennis, seeing the rise of the next generation of female players paving the way for the future of tennis. The iconic matches between Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams were part of a defining rivalry of the last era, starting with the Russian player’s Wimbledon victory at just 18-years-old.
Many refer to Williams herself as the ‘GOAT’ and, indeed, she won a total of 23 grand slams during her career. Sometimes with a little helping hand… this helping hand in question being her soon-to-be-born daughter. Yes, Serena Williams won the Australian Open pregnant. Iconic.
It’s safe to say we may never see another ‘Serena Williams’; not only through her tennis, inspiration or resilience, but also personality and showdown. While it may be time for us GenZ tennis fans to bid farewell to the tennis we were accustomed to our whole lives, it’s time to see how our very own generation are changing the game. I myself grew up playing tennis, and ever since reigniting my interest in watching the game, now is NOT a time to miss. So, with that being said, here is a comprehensive guide of the ones to watch now in the WTA.
Adhering to current world rankings, we have:
1: Sabalenka
2: Swiatek
3: Gauff
4: Pegula
5: Keys
6: Paolini
7: Rybakina
8: Zheng
9: Andreeva
10: Navarro
However, there are definitely a select few who stood out in the 2024 season, and could be foreshadowing the future legends of our generation.
Today’s world No.4, Pegula, claimed both the Berlin and Canadian Open last year, setting her on foot for a rise up the rankings and place in the WTA finals. She also featured in the Netflix original ‘Set Point’; a series that followed the behind-the-scenes lives of top world tennis players, including the likes of Nick Kyrgios and Cori (Coco) Gauff.
Speaking of Gauff, the 20-year old prodigy championed her way through the 2024 season. Not only did she win the title at the China Open, but she also became the first US player, since Serena Williams, to raise the trophy at the WTA finals. Following her lead at the Paris Olympic Opening Ceremony, where she waved the US flag alongside LeBron James across the River Seine, 2024 will definitely be a year for Gauff to remember.
Rybakina herself saw no less than a successful year. She claimed three WTA 500 titles: Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart – leading her to climb the ranks to world no.7, and leaving many to predict a promising season ahead.
Of course, a key player of 2024 was Poland’s Iga Swiatek. Not only did the world No.2 win in Madrid, Rome, AND Roland Garros, but she also secured the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics – making a memorable year for both herself and her country.
And finally in this article, but very certainly not least, Sabalenka, sitting currently at world no.1, saw an incredible year to say the least. Not only did the Belarus tennis player claim both the Wuhan and Cincinnati Open titles, but she rose the trophy at 2 out of 4 of the year’s grand slams: the Australian and US Open! She competed against Swiatek in what was considered one of the best matches of the season, to then be named ‘WTA player of the year’ in December.
It’s safe to say that women’s tennis is most certainly seeing an exciting shift. With these next generation players climbing the rankings, there is no doubt we are soon to see friendly rivalries that may be as iconic as the ones we grew attached to in our childhoods. Yes, there may be a feeling of sadness in saying goodbye to what once was, but there is something so promising about witnessing the rise of a new dawn. Tennis continues to exceed expectations, and show us what the sport is really about: competition, passion, and sportsmanship all the same.
It’s exciting, it’s thrilling, it’s new, and it’s certainly a time you do not want to miss. So whether this inspires you to get on the court yourself, or gather your friends to watch a match, women’s tennis is on the rise, and it’s time we all tune in to see what this next era has in store.
