Aryna Sabalenka’s relentless dominance in women’s tennis has propelled her to new heights, as she now ranks fourth among players with the most WTA ranking points since the current system began in 2009. The Belarusian star’s commanding victory over Coco Gauff in the 2025 Madrid Open final not only secured her third title of the season but also pushed her past the 11,000-point mark, a feat achieved by only two other players in the modern era: Serena Williams and Iga Swiatek. With her sights set on emulating the legendary Williams, Sabalenka’s ascent underscores her place among the sport’s elite, blending raw power with newfound consistency.
Sabalenka’s 6-3, 7-6(3) triumph in Madrid was a testament to her evolution as a player. Despite a match fraught with tension and errors, she outlasted Gauff, reversing a 5-4 head-to-head deficit. “I think I have better understanding of my game, of my weapons and how to manage my emotions,” Sabalenka reflected, highlighting the mental growth that has fueled her 2025 campaign. Her victory added 1,000 points to her tally, bringing her to 11,118 points, trailing only Williams (13,615 in 2013), Swiatek (11,695 in 2024), and Victoria Azarenka (10,955 in 2012). This milestone, achieved after just six tournaments this year, places her among tennis’ all-time greats, with former British No. 1 Annabel Croft praising her “immaculate consistency” on Sky Sports Tennis.
The 26-year-old’s journey to this elite club has been marked by resilience. After missing Wimbledon and the 2024 Paris Olympics due to a shoulder injury, Sabalenka roared back, winning titles in Cincinnati, the US Open, and Wuhan. Her Madrid win made her the second player, after Williams, to claim three titles in two different WTA 1000 events (Madrid and Wuhan) since 2009. It also marked her as the only player besides Williams to win her first three clay-court titles at Grand Slam, Tier I, or WTA 1000 level, all in Madrid. “I have to look at this year the bigger picture,” Sabalenka said, referencing her two Grand Slam titles in 2025 and her year-end No. 1 ranking secured in 2024.
Sabalenka’s rise has not come without challenges. Her Madrid final against Gauff was a gritty affair, with both players struggling under pressure. Gauff, aiming to overtake Swiatek for the No. 2 ranking, pushed Sabalenka to the brink, but the Belarusian’s 17-point streak in the first set and composure in the tiebreak proved decisive. The victory widened her lead atop the WTA rankings to over 3,500 points, with Swiatek, who fell to Gauff in the Madrid semifinals, dropping to 7,470 points. Sabalenka’s 36 weeks at No. 1, including 28 consecutive weeks, place her among the sport’s most enduring leaders, closing in on Amelie Mauresmo’s 39-week record.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka’s path offers opportunities to further emulate Williams, whose 13,615 points in 2013 remain the benchmark. With 3,570 points available at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, where she has no points to defend due to last year’s absence, Sabalenka could narrow the gap. Her versatility across surfaces—evident in her hardcourt
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