The WTA recently released an interesting clip featuring Maria Sharapova, where the Russian shared her predictions for the players poised to make a significant impact in the 2024 season. The retired five-time Grand Slam champion has tipped Ons Jabeur to secure her maiden major title this year, while also predicting a breakout season for Mirra Andreeva.
At last year’s Wimbledon, Jabeur lost her third Grand Slam final. Falling short of a major title for the third time was emotionally devastating for the Tunisian player, especially as her dream was to win a championship before pausing her career to start a family. The former world No.1 Sharapova is optimistic that the 2024 season will fulfil Jabeur’s dreams:
“I’m pulling for Ons Jabeur. I genuinely feel like she has an amazing chance. Not only because she’s been very close before, she wholeheartedly deserves it. I also know, from seeing some of her stories on TV, that she wants to be a mother, and that she’s ready for that chapter of her life. I hope she can lift that big one above her head soon.”
Sharapova is also backing seventeen-year-old Mirra Andreeva for a stellar 2024 season. Despite her young age, Andreeva, who was named the WTA Newcomer of the Year in 2023, has already reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam twice and achieved a career-high singles ranking of No.33. Sharapova expressed her confidence in Andreeva’s abilities, stating:
“Mirra Andreeva will have a phenomenal year. I followed a little bit of her matches in 2023 and I think she has a strong attitude, she has the game to back it up. I genuinely just like her approach and, you know, her sensibility in the game. I think she has a really bright future ahead of her.”
Do you agree with Sharapova’s predictions? Do you think Jabeur can reach another Grand Slam final and finally break the trend of always finishing runner-up? What about Andreeva, is she the top contender to make it big in 2024? Tell us in the comments below.
