Garbine Muguruza named WTA Player of Year

Garbine Muguruza, who won Wimbledon in July for the first time in her career, was named WTA Singles Player of the Year on Friday.

The 24-year-old Muguruza rose to world No. 1 for the first time in her career in September and is currently ranked second. She also won the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati and reached the semifinals on five other occasions.

Muguruza is one of eight players who qualified for the WTA Finals in Singapore, which begin Sunday.

"Every season one of my main goals is to qualify for Singapore, as it is proof that you are one of the best eight players of the year," Muguruza said. "I have great memories of the tournament and the city. It will be my fourth year in a row there, and I look forward to playing my best tennis."

The Wimbledon title was Muguruza's second career Grand Slam crown. The Spaniard also won the 2016 French Open.

Martina Hingis of Switzerland and Chan Yung-Jan of Taiwan were named Doubles Team of the Year. The two teamed up to win nine titles, including the U.S. Open.

Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia was named Most Improved Player of the Year. The 20-year-old won the French Open for her first career Grand Slam title.

American CiCi Bellis was named Newcomer of the Year. The 18-year-old scored four top-20 victories during her debut season on the tour.

American Sloane Stephens was named Comeback Player of the year. Stephens missed the first half of the year after foot surgery and recovered to dramatically win the U.S. Open for her first Grand Slam title.

Germany's Angelique Kerber was presented the Jerry Diamond ACES Award, which goes to the player who consistently goes "above and beyond" in the promotion of women's tennis to fans, media and local communities.