In a thrilling turn of events, Aryna Sabalenka has overtaken Iga Swiatek to become the new World No. 1 in women’s tennis. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Sabalenka’s career and highlights her incredible consistency and determination throughout the 2024 season.
Sabalenka’s journey to the top spot has been nothing short of remarkable. She started the year strong by winning the Australian Open, followed by victories at the Cincinnati Open and the US Open. Her recent triumph at the Wuhan Open, where she claimed her third consecutive title, was the final push she needed to dethrone Swiatek.
Swiatek, who had been the dominant force in women’s tennis for most of the year, faced some challenges towards the end of the season. She withdrew from the Korea Open and the China Open, citing the need to focus on her long-term career goals. These withdrawals allowed Sabalenka to close the gap and eventually overtake her rival in the rankings.
Here are the latest rankings.
Iga Swiatek in 2024
At the moment ranked no.2, the Pole played her last match on the 4th
of September when she was overcome by world no.4 Jessica Pegula 6-2 6-4 in the quarter of the U.S. Open (draw).This season Swiatek has a 59-8 win-loss record. The Pole clinched 6 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and French Open.
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
Currently the world no.1, Aryna played her last match on the 13th of October when she defeated world no.7 Qinwen Zheng 6-3 5-7 6-3 in the final in Wuhan to win her 17th career title.
Until now, during this year Sabalenka achieved a composed 54-12 record. Sabalenka clinched 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. Aryna was the finalist in Brisbane, Madrid and Rome.
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka fought against each other 12 times. Their actual head to head record is 8-4 for Swiatek.