The WTA, the association that governs the women’s professional tennis circuit, has announced its 2023 awards, with Iga Sviatek named player of the year for the second consecutive season.

Iga SvyatekPhoto: CHRISTOPHE SAIDI / Sipa Press / Profimedia

>> Memorable moments of 2023 on the WTA circuit – rivalries, comebacks and big surprises

In 2023 Polish Iga Swiatek won Roland Garros for the third time in her career, taking her total to four Grand Slam titles, and ended the year by winning her first trophy on the Champions Tour, a feat that saw her return to the top of the WTA rankings, which she had briefly lost to Arina Sabalenko of Belarus.

The 22-year-old Pole, who has won six professional trophies since the start of this season, became the first player to win the WTA Player of the Year title two years in a row since American Serena Williams, who won it between 2012 and 2015.

Tomash Viktorovskyiwho coaches Iga Svyatek, was recognized as the WTA coach of the year.

Australian Storm Hunter and Belgian Elise Mertens they made an even couple of a year, Chinese Qinwen Zheng was awarded the most progress made this season, while Russian Mirra Andreeva was recognized as the debutante of the year.

Ukrainian Elina Svitolinawho returned to the circuit in April after giving birth to a child, took home the “Comeback of the Year” award after reaching the quarter-finals of Ronald Garros and equaling her best Grand Slam result by qualifying for the semi-finals of Wimbledon, writes Reuters, citing Agerpres.