This is the annual post on Moo’s Tennis Blog where I have a go at predicting the season-ending top ten for the upcoming season. You can view last year’s results here and previous years here. I think this list is perhaps not quite as wacky last year?  🤔 Read on for my 2024 predictions…

10. Zheng Qinwen: Picking a number 10 was a challenge and it has changed hands several times! I’m going once again for Zheng to crack the world’s top ten.

9. Barbora Krejcikova: I adore Krejcikova’s game and she is one of those players who can beat literally anyone on a good day. I think that Krejcikova will have a deep run in the singles at the French Open or Wimbledon.

8. Jessica Pegula: A permanent fixture in the top ten due to her consistency and reliability. The big question – can Pegula break through the Slam quarter-final barrier? I’m saying yes! I would still be very surprised if Pegula actually won a Slam.

7. Ons Jabeur: Like Pegula, another mainstay in the top ten. I don’t think I can cope with another Wimbledon heartbreaker for Ons!

6. Naomi Osaka: The signs are promising. I am fascinated to see what kind of schedule Osaka plays. I’m keen to see Osaka play at Wimbledon (been banging on about it in the post for years) where she hasn’t played for 5 years as i’ve always felt grass is a surface that could suit her game. I think Osaka bags a Slam in 2024 and the WTA comeback of the year award.

5. Aryna Sabalenka: Sabalenka was such an interesting case in 2023. She was the most consistent player at the Slams and big tournaments, and won the Australian Open, yet she still experienced some really jarring losses. I still think there are some demons to contend with and overcome for Sabalenka and I tend to think that 2024 won’t be as strong as 2023.

4. Coco Gauff: I have huge admiration for Gauff for her adaptability and versatility. I could never have imagined Gauff winning the US Open having looked completely lost on the court for much of the first half of 2023. I think it will be another fruitful year for Gauff. I think Coco will win a couple of Masters 1000s and challenge at Wimbledon.

3. Karolina Muchova: I know this is a gamble because, as I write this, I think Muchova is still struggling with the wrist injury that ended her 2023 season. I’ve always regarded Muchova as Barty-esque as she has variety and flair which is such a weapon in women’s tennis. Somehow I still feel Muchova is going under-the-radar? Well, no surprises that Muchova is firmly on my radar and i’m going all in. Muchova to win Wimbledon in 2024.

2. Elena Rybakina: I have done the full 360 on Rybakina who was a tremendous oversight on my predictions from the last two years. Someone rightfully called me out in the comments on my post last year 😂. I could never get Tokyo 2020 out of my mind. I was impressed with Rybakina’s reliability in 2023 and how few “bad” losses she took. Rybakina almost always got up for the big matches against the best players. There’s a pureness to Rybakina’s ball striking that makes her so watchable. I think Rybakina will win another Slam in 2024.

1. Iga Swiatek: Not exactly sticking my neck out with this one. I was impressed how Swiatek handled losing her number one spot and played some of her best tennis in the Autumn to regain it. I think Swiatek will be dominant in 2024 and win at least one more Slam.

Best of the rest:

Marketa Vondrousova: I fancy another strong year for Vondrousova. In the same mould of Pegula that she will win lots of matches against players you would expect her to beat. Top 12.

Maria Sakkari: Happy for Sakkari to win the WTA 1000 in Guadalajara last year. It still hasn’t changed my overall feeling of her prospects going forward. Top 12.

Mirra Andreeva: Impressed with the way she carries herself and instinctively knows what to do. A great tennis brain and seems mentally sound aside from the occasional show of petulance. Considered top ten but still limited by what tournaments she can play. Top 20.

Sofia Kenin: I nearly went top 10 for Kenin but was put off because her results in 2023 were so wildly inconsistent! A dark horse and one to watch for sure. Top 20.

Linda Noskova: Staying on the Noskova bandwagon. Soon will be a regular fixture in the Slam seedings. Top 30.

Peyton Stearns: One of the most improved players in 2023. Feels like on an upward trajectory. Top 30.

Ashlyn Krueger: Not surprised to see Kreuger win a title last year as i’ve always liked her game. One to watch. Top 50.

Daria Saville: I want only good things for Dasha! She played such a great match against Swiatek at the US Open last year. Top 50.

Alina Korneeva: Expect to see more of Korneeva at the WTA level. Newcomer of the year? Top 100.

Slam Predictions:

Australian Open: Swiatek

French Open: Rybakina

Wimbledon: Muchova

US Open: Osaka