Naomi Osaka
topped the WTA list for the biggest ranking jumps, leading a statistic that
includes Emma Raducanu and Caroline Wozniacki among the top risers.
The most
significant movers feature four players making remarkable comebacks after
extended absences, alongside one of the season's biggest surprises.
1. Naomi Osaka
The
Japanese star spent over a year off the tour after announcing her pregnancy and
the birth of her first child. The four-time Grand Slam champion posted a 22-17
record, reaching the quarterfinals in Doha and 's-Hertogenbosch. Starting the
season unranked, she climbed to the top 60—the largest rise on the tour—using
multiple wild cards in WTA tournaments.
The former
world No. 1 secured her first win over a top-10 player at the US Open,
defeating former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the opening round.
Osaka’s season also included six victories against top-20 opponents.
2. Amanda Anisimova
The
23-year-old American was once regarded as one of the brightest prospects in
women’s tennis. Ranked in the top 30 between 2019 and 2020, she took a hiatus
from the sport due to mental health challenges, causing a sharp drop in her
ranking.
In 2024,
Anisimova made an impressive return, rising from world No. 272 to No. 36, with
signs of further progress ahead. Her standout performances included reaching
her first WTA 1000 final at the Canadian Open and advancing to the fourth round
at both the Australian Open and the China Open. One of her biggest career wins
came when she defeated world No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka in the Montreal
quarterfinals.
3. Emma Raducanu
The former
US Open champion underwent surgeries in 2023 to overcome persistent injuries,
which caused her ranking to plummet. After a lengthy recovery, Raducanu
returned with a strong showing, climbing from No. 301 to No. 57 despite a
limited schedule.
Her
highlights included reaching the semifinals of the Nottingham Open and the
fourth round at Wimbledon. She also secured her first two career wins over
top-10 players, defeating Jessica Pegula (No. 5) and Maria Sakkari (No. 9) on
grass.
4. Caroline Wozniacki
The former
Australian Open champion balanced her family life with a tennis comeback in
2023, returning to the WTA Tour after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus. The
34-year-old ended the season with a 16-13 record (55%), highlighted by reaching
the fourth round at the US Open and the quarterfinals at Indian Wells.
Wozniacki
rose from world No. 256 to No. 70, a significant jump considering she had no
points to defend for most of the year. Prioritizing major tournaments, she
competed in just four WTA 500 events and one WTA 250.
Caroline Wozniacki at 2024 US Open
5. Lulu Sun
The
Newcomer of the Year naturally secured a place in this ranking. The New
Zealander enjoyed a remarkable rise in the latter half of the season,
highlighted by a Wimbledon quarterfinal run as a qualifier, defeating Zheng
Qinwen and Emma Raducanu along the way.
Sun climbed
from world No. 214 to No. 40, also reaching her first WTA final at the
Monterrey Open, where she fell to Linda Noskova. At 23, she is one to watch in
2025 as one of the few left-handed players in the upper rankings.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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