What an electrifying year 2025 proved to be for women's tennis on the WTA Tour – a whirlwind of jaw-dropping upsets, heroic comebacks, and raw emotions that had fans glued to their screens, debating every twist and turn. As we gear up for the 2026 season, which actually kicks off in its named year for a change, let's take a lively stroll down memory lane through the highlights that defined the past twelve months. This isn't meant to be an exhaustive rundown – far from it – and your take on the quick-hit categories at the end is one of the most thrilling parts of this recap. We're going with what instantly comes to mind in this standout year that perfectly paved the way for even more excitement ahead. And here's where it gets controversial: Was it really the best year ever, or did some of the off-court drama overshadow the on-court brilliance? Stick around to see what sparks your thoughts!
Best Match
Charlie Eccleshare and Matthew Futterman highlight: Madison Keys (ranked 19) versus Iga Świątek (ranked 2), Australian Open semifinal.
Eccleshare dives in: This showdown nearly eclipsed Keys' earlier triumph over Aryna Sabalenka, but it's her nail-biting victory against Świątek at the Australian Open that takes the edge. Picture this for beginners: Świątek surged ahead from 5-2 to 5-5, clinching the first set despite Keys' fightback – it seemed like another heartbreaking near-miss for the American, who had long been tipped for Grand Slam glory but never quite seized it. The pattern repeated in the third set when Świątek had a match point on her serve, yet Keys roared back, dominating the tiebreak after Świątek nearly clinched it with a spectacular stretch volley. That comeback wasn't just clutch; it was a masterclass in resilience, reminding everyone why tennis can be so unpredictable and thrilling.
Futterman adds his perspective: Think of the Australian Open women's semifinal as a tension-filled masterpiece – Keys edging out Świątek in a heart-pounding deciding tiebreak. A match point dodged, the result hanging by a thread until the very last bounce. Here was a veteran player conquering a monumental challenge en route to chasing her lifelong dream, all wrapped up in just over two and a half hours of pure, unadulterated suspense. For newcomers to tennis, this illustrates how a single match can hinge on mental toughness and split-second decisions, turning underdogs into heroes.
James Hansen chimes in: Aryna Sabalenka (ranked 1) against Marta Kostyuk (ranked 24), Madrid Open quarterfinal.
Two grueling tiebreaks defined this clash, with Kostyuk repeatedly brushing close to victory against Sabalenka – a trend that's emerged lately between them. Add in the dramatic rain delay, where Sabalenka hesitated to serve due to fears of double-faults, sparking Kostyuk's fiery complaint about the umpire's leniency. Yet, once play resumed, Sabalenka's composure shone through. It's a great example for beginners of how external factors like weather can amplify the game's intensity, testing not just skill but also emotional control.
Favorite Match
Eccleshare's pick: Elena Rybakina (ranked 12) versus Iga Świątek (ranked 5), French Open round of 16.
Świątek's triumph over Rybakina in the fourth round of the French Open was captivating from the opening serve to the final point. Rybakina stormed through eight of the first nine games against the triple-defending champion, poised for a massive upset that would shake the tennis world. But Świątek, undeterred, fought back to claim a 7-5 third-set victory, underscoring her dominance at Roland Garros – a streak of four years without a loss there. For those new to the sport, this match highlights how past rivalries and venue expertise can turn the tide, even when a player seems unstoppable at the start.
Futterman weighs in: Aryna Sabalenka (ranked 1) versus Coco Gauff (ranked 2), French Open final.
Watching two elite players clash isn't just about skill; it's a battle against their own minds and howling winds. Imagine Gauff serving to close the match, hurling serves at around 100 mph (about 60 mph in the metric system often used in tennis) that just cleared the net, enough to rattle Sabalenka's focus amid the chaos. This led to Sabalenka's infamous, sour post-match interview, which Gauff calmly addressed in her own. It capped off a wildly entertaining Paris afternoon, full of gusts and grit – a perfect reminder for beginners that tennis isn't played in a vacuum; weather and psychology play starring roles. And this is the part most people miss: Did the conditions unfairly favor one player, or was it just part of the game's charm?
Hansen's choice: Maya Joint versus Alexandra Eala (qualifier), Eastbourne Open final.
Here, two emerging stars battled in a tournament finale, saving match points and elevating their play in a back-and-forth deciding tiebreak. For tennis novices, this exemplifies how grass-court tournaments like Eastbourne can launch careers, with young talents like these showing the depth of the sport's talent pool.
Most Memorable Shot
Eccleshare selects: Karolína Muchová versus Clara Tauson, Dubai Tennis Championships semifinal.
(For context, Matt might not recall specific shots, but this one stood out.)
Hansen goes with: Madison Keys (ranked 19) versus Aryna Sabalenka (ranked 1), Australian Open final.
Keys' forehand here wasn't necessarily the year's most spectacular, but it's unforgettable for its deceptive simplicity – what looks ordinary to the untrained eye is actually otherworldly precision. Beginners, take note: In tennis, the best shots often blend power with placement, turning routine rallies into game-changers.
Story of the Year
Eccleshare reflects: Amanda Anisimova's campaign stood out, especially her quarterfinal defeat of Świątek at the U.S. Open, just two months after a brutal 6-0, 6-0 loss to the same opponent in the Wimbledon final. Redemption arcs are a sports staple, but this was a standout, with the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd's energy matching the magnitude of her feat.
Futterman agrees: Anisimova's journey is unparalleled – from outside the top 300 and struggling in Wimbledon qualifiers to reaching the finals of both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, cracking the top five. Plus, her six-month break in 2023 to reconnect with the game adds layers to her tale. For newcomers, this shows how a mental reset can transform a career.
Hansen points to: The wave of players who exploded onto the scene, showcasing the value of grassroots tennis. Names like Victoria Mboko, Alexandra Eala, Tereza Valentová, and Janice Tjen achieved remarkable feats, from Eala's Miami Open surge to Mboko's Canadian Open championship. Their success stemmed from dominating the World Tennis Tour, proving that consistent wins build unstoppable momentum at any level – a key lesson for aspiring players.
Strangest Moment
Eccleshare notes: At Wimbledon, fans were scolded by the umpire for popping champagne corks during Anisimova's game against Dalma Gálfi – bizarre, but oddly fitting for the All England Club's traditions.
Futterman recalls: In the Canadian Open final, Naomi Osaka seemed destined for a long-awaited win, only to choke in the second set, allowing teenage sensation Mboko to ride the home crowd's wave and topple a fourth Grand Slam champ after beating three others.
Hansen highlights: The explosive, profanity-filled 'handshake' between Maria Sakkari and Yulia Putintseva at the Bad Homburg Open. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this just heat-of-the-moment passion, or a sign of deeper tensions in the sport?
Worst Moment
Eccleshare criticizes: Jelena Ostapenko's accusation that Taylor Townsend lacked 'education' after her second-round U.S. Open loss, followed by insincere apologies that tarnished her reputation.
Futterman points out: Mirra Andreeva's outburst at her mother during her French Open meltdown against Loïs Boisson, marking the start of a tough adjustment period for the young star.
Hansen addresses: The ongoing reports of stalking and harassment affecting WTA players, underscoring tennis's persistent safety issues as one of its greatest hurdles. And this is the part most people miss: Are these problems being addressed adequately, or is the sport still lagging behind?
Best Quote
Eccleshare shares: 'Am I a good liar? Oh my God, I couldn’t play poker.' – Świątek at the French Open presser.
Ahead of facing Rybakina or her rival Ostapenko (who had a perfect 6-0 record against her), Świątek claimed indifference, but her poker face cracked. For beginners, this quote captures the strategic mind games off the court.
Futterman picks: 'I would like to thank me.' – Andreeva post her Dubai win.
Hansen selects: 'I’m sitting here.' – Gauff responding to Sabalenka's claims about the French Open final.
As we wrap up this rollercoaster review of 2025 WTA tennis, what stood out most for you – the epic matches or the off-court controversies? Do you think moments like Ostapenko's outburst or the harassment reports signal a need for change in the sport, or are they just part of its passionate nature? Share your views in the comments – I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or even your own picks for the year!
