Despite the truncated 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, some players impressed the fans with their outstanding performances. Starting the season in a state of flux, Victoria Azarenka finished the year on the mission. Azarenka’s stunning resurgence made her win the WTA Comeback Player of the Year.

Victoria Azarenka – Comeback Player of the Year

Over the last couple of years, Azarenka fought a custody battle for a newborn son and subsequently suffered injuries, which hampered her career. Despite the host of personal issues, the two-time Australian Open champion made a comeback post the tour’s resumption.

The Belarusian won the 2020 Cincinnati Masters, her first WTA title in over four years. Azarenka then reached the finals of the US Open by defeating Serena Williams in the semifinals but lost to Naomi Osaka despite winning the opening set in the final. It was Azarenka’s first Grand Slam final since her appearance at the 2013 US Open final.

The 31-year-old reached the quarterfinals of the Italian Open and ended the season as a runner-up at Ostrava Open. Despite a slump in the rankings last year, Azarenka made huge strides to finish the 2020 season as the No.13 ranked player.

Hence, the WTA conferred Azarenka with the Comeback Player of the Year award to recognize her achievements during the past season. With the 2021 Australian Open scheduled in February, Azarenka will aim to end her Grand Slam drought and win her 3rd title in Melbourne.

On the other hand, Sofia Kenin won the WTA Player of the year for having an astonishing 16-2 win-loss record in Grand Slam tournaments this year. Winning the Australian Open and then finishing the runner-up at Roland Garros, Kenin ended the year on a career-high ranking of number four.

WTA gave teenager, Iga Swiatek, the award for the Most Improved Player. Swiatek created history by becoming the first Polish player to clinch the French Open title.