“Jasmine Paolini was robbed”;”Not sure what Anna Kalinskaya is doing there” – Fans react to WTA Player Award nominations for 2024 season

The WTA has announced the nominees for its annual Player Awards, sparking a wave of mixed reactions from fans across the globe.

The nominations, which recognize outstanding performances and contributions to the sport throughout the 2024 season, have been met with both praise and criticism, particularly in the Singles Player of the Year category.

Jasmine Paolini, the Italian rising star who has enjoyed a breakout season, capturing two WTA titles and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 4, was notably absent from the list. Fans took to social media to express their disbelief and frustration, using hashtags like #JasminePaoliniDeservesBetter and #WTAAwardsFail.

• “Jasmine Paolini was robbed! She had an incredible year, winning tournaments and consistently performing at a high level. This is a complete oversight by the WTA,” one fan tweeted.

Another fan echoed the sentiment, stating, “I’m baffled by Paolini’s omission. Her results speak for themselves. It’s a travesty.”

In contrast, the inclusion of Anna Kalinskaya in the Most Improved Player category raised eyebrows among some fans. While Kalinskaya has shown glimpses of her potential, her overall performance this year hasn’t been as consistent or impactful as other contenders.

• “Not sure what Anna Kalinskaya is doing there,” one fan commented. “There are players who have made much more significant strides this season.”

• “Kalinskaya’s nomination is questionable,” another fan added. “She hasn’t shown enough improvement to warrant consideration.”

Despite the controversy surrounding certain nominations, the WTA Awards continue to be a significant event in the tennis calendar, celebrating the achievements of the world’s top female players. The winners will be announced at the end of the season, culminating in a night of recognition and celebration for the sport’s brightest stars.

Here’s a breakdown of the nominees in each category:

• Singles Player of the Year:

  • Iga Swiatek
  • Aryna Sabalenka
  • Elena Rybakina
  • Coco Gauff

• Doubles Player of the Year:

  • Barbora Krejcikova
  • Katerina Siniakova
  • Elise Mertens
  • Zhang Shuai

• Most Improved Player:

  • Anna Kalinskaya
  • Qinwen Zheng
  • Beatriz Haddad Maia
  • Sorana Cirstea

• Comeback Player of the Year:

  • Karolina Pliskova
  • Petra Kvitova
  • Marketa Vondrousova
  • Sloane Stephens

• Karen Krantz Inspirational Player of the Year:

  • Marketa Vondrousova
  • Ons Jabeur
  • Tatjana Maria
  • Caroline Garcia

The WTA Awards will undoubtedly continue to generate discussion and debate among fans as the season draws to a close. One thing is certain: the 2024 season has been one of exceptional talent and fierce competition, making the selection process for these prestigious awards all the more challenging.