Swiatek joins select company as repeat WTA player of the year
Serena Williams the most recent back-to-back recipient in 2015
Iga Swiatek's second consecutive season-ending No. 1 ranking helped her collect a second consecutive WTA player of the year award on Monday, making her the first woman since Serena Williams to claim that honour twice in a row.
Williams, who retired last year, was the WTA Player of the Year every season from 2012-15, the final four of the seven total times the American claimed that award.
Swiatek went 68-11 in 2023 with a tour-leading six titles, including at the French Open in June. That was Swiatek's third championship at Roland Garros and fourth overall at a Grand Slam tournament.
The 22-year-old from Poland wrapped up the season with an undefeated run at the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, last month, which allowed her to overtake Aryna Sabalenka atop the rankings.
Swiatek held the No. 1 spot from April 2022 until this September, before regaining it to close the year.
In other WTA awards announced Monday:
- Zheng Qinwen, China (most improved player of the year)
- Mirra Andreeva, Russia (newcomer of the year)
- Elina Svitolina, Ukraine (comeback of the year)
- Tomasz Wiktorowski (coach of the year). He works with Swiatek.
- Storm Hunter, Australia and Elise Mertens, Belgium (doubles team of the year)
- Ons Jabeur, Tunisia, Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award and Peachy Kellmeyer Player Service Award
- Jessica Pegula, U.S., Jerry Diamond ACES Award (off-court promotional and charitable activities).
