2019 WTA Player Awards

The WTA announced today the winners of the 2019 WTA Player Awards. Four players in the 2020 Volvo Car Open field were recognized for their accomplishments this season.

WTA Player of the Year:
Ashleigh Barty (AUS)

Given to the player who had the strongest and most successful season

• Captured four titles from six finals in 2019 including the Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen and her first Grand Slam singles trophy at Roland Garros
• Recorded the most matches won on Tour this season with 57 victories

WTA Most Improved Player of the Year:
Sofia Kenin (USA)

Given to the player who finished inside the Top 50 and showed significant improvement throughout the 2019 season

• Won her first career WTA singles titles in 2019 at the Hobart International, Mallorca Open and Guangzhou Open
• One of only six players to have lifted three or more trophies this season

WTA Comeback Player of the Year:
Belinda Bencic (SUI)

Given to the player whose ranking previously dropped due to injury and whose current season’s results helped restore ranking

• Won her first Tour-level titles since 2015 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and the VTB Kremlin Cup
• Following a wrist injury that kept her off the court for five months in 2017, her ranking slipped as low as World No. 318. She’s now ranked World No. 8.

WTA Jerry Diamond ACES Award:
Kiki Bertens (NED)

Given to the player who consistently goes above and beyond in promoting the sport of women’s tennis to fans, media, and local communities

• Participated in more than 40 kids’ clinics, charitable activities, sponsor activations and fan-friendly events around the globe to help bring the game closer to the community