Serena Williams and Aryna Sabalenka will swap the 10th place in the ranking on Monday. Aryna won her back to back tournament in Linz after she conquered Ostrava to finally get back in the top10 in the live rankings. This means that the Belarussian champion will snatch the 10th place from Serena Williams that on Monday will be only no.11.

Aryna had a rather satisfying 2020 despite the global pandemic as she won 3 titles in Doha, Ostrava and Linz. Given the fact that in 2020 she lost as early as in the first round at the Australian Open, if she has a decent run in Melbourne, she will have the chance to match or improve her world no.9 career-high. Aryna credited his new coach Anton Dubrov for her recent success.

Serena had a disappointing 2020 as she didn’t manage to finally conquer her elusive 24th slam. Indeed, she managed to complete only 2 slams, She lost in the 3rd round of the Australian Open, in the semifinal at the US Open and she had to withdraw just before playing the 2ns round of the French Open. It seems that the road to win another major is getting more and more complicated.

 

 

Serena Williams in 2020

Ranked no.10, the American was supposed to play on the 30th of September. However, she conceded a walk over to Tsvetana Pironkova in the 2nd round of the French Open.

Presently, this year Serena Williams has an overall 17-5 match record. Serena Williams conquered 1 title in Auckland.

 

Aryna Sabalenka in 2020

Ranked no.11, Aryna played her last match on the 15th of November when she overcame Elise Mertens 7-5 6-2 in the final in Linz to win her 8th career title.

Currently, this season Aryna has a 29-10 record. Aryna conquered 3 titles in 2020 in Doha, in Ostrava and in Linz.

Serena Williams and Aryna Sabalenka have never played each other.