Aryna Sabalenka’s recent return to the top of the WTA rankings has thrust her back into the spotlight, putting her in the unique position of being the “hunted” player on tour, according to former world No. 10 Coco Vandeweghe. Sabalenka, who held the No. 1 ranking for eight weeks last season, reclaimed it this week after a stellar year that saw her capture two Grand Slam titles—the Australian Open and the US Open. Now, with just a few weeks left in the season, she’s poised to clinch the year-end No. 1 ranking, provided she can fend off fierce competition from her closest rival, Iga Swiatek, at the upcoming WTA Finals.
Vandeweghe recently discussed Sabalenka’s rise and the pressures that come with it on the *Inside-In* podcast, hosted by Tennis Channel. She emphasized that with Sabalenka’s elevated status comes an increased level of scrutiny and competition from her peers, who are eager to dethrone her. According to Vandeweghe, the Belarusian star is now the player with a “big target” on her back, as other top players on the WTA Tour aim to defeat her on the sport’s biggest stages. “Aryna is the hunted,” Vandeweghe said. “And it’s also: what is she going to do with that big target on her back?”
Vandeweghe’s comments underscore how the No. 1 spot brings a unique set of pressures, a fact Sabalenka is well aware of. After initially reaching the top spot last season, she faced difficulties maintaining it, with Swiatek ultimately taking back the ranking at the end of 2023. However, 2024 has marked a turning point for Sabalenka. With three major titles now under her belt and significant momentum from her US Open win, she has solidified her status as one of the most formidable players on tour. Vandeweghe pointed out that unlike many of her rivals who have been more active post-US Open, Sabalenka has only competed in two tournaments since her New York victory, maintaining her energy and focus as the season winds down.
Sabalenka’s relatively limited play schedule post-US Open could be part of her strategy to stay fresh for the season-ending championships, where she’ll be the top seed. In the China Open, she was defeated in the quarterfinals by Karolina Muchova, one of this year’s standout players. However, she quickly rebounded by capturing her 17th career singles title at the Wuhan Open, a win that ultimately secured her return to the No. 1 position. Swiatek’s own ranking points took a hit after she was unable to replicate last season’s performance under the WTA’s mandatory tournament requirements, which led to Sabalenka’s ascent.
As the WTA Finals approach, all eyes are on Sabalenka and Swiatek, with Sabalenka holding a slight edge in the race for the year-end No. 1. Swiatek, the defending champion, will need to go deep in the tournament—and possibly retain her title—to have a realistic shot at overtaking Sabalenka. For her part, Sabalenka needs only a single round-robin win in Riyadh to effectively secure her position, making this year’s finals particularly high-stakes.
Vandeweghe also reflected on the shift in pressure within the women’s tour, explaining that for much of the past two years, it was Swiatek who bore the weight of being the top player with a target on her back. “For so long, it’s been Iga that’s had that big target on her back and everyone’s chasing Iga to take that No. 1 ranking, to beat her on the biggest stages,” Vandeweghe said. Now, the focus has shifted to Sabalenka, and the question becomes whether she can rise to the challenge and maintain her hold on the sport’s most prestigious ranking. “Now, Sabalenka’s going to have that mantle, and what’s she going to be able to do with it? Can she hold onto that? Can she step up to that occasion?” Vandeweghe asked, highlighting the mental and physical demands that come with the position.
This transition of the No. 1 spot between Sabalenka and Swiatek reflects the dynamic competition within women’s tennis today, where each Grand Slam and high-profile tournament can dramatically alter the landscape. Both players have unique strengths: Sabalenka’s powerful, aggressive style and formidable serve contrast with Swiatek’s versatility, court coverage, and tactical approach. Their rivalry has brought an added level of excitement to the tour, with fans eagerly anticipating each match-up and the shifts in ranking that accompany their successes and setbacks.
Sabalenka’s journey to reclaim the top spot is a testament to her growth and resilience as a player. Earlier in her career, she was often criticized for her inconsistency and sometimes erratic performances under pressure. But the past two years have seen her mature into a more balanced player, one who has learned to channel her aggression more effectively and exhibit patience when necessary. Her ability to win on hard courts and clay courts alike showcases her adaptability, and her Grand Slam wins this year have solidified her reputation as one of the game’s elite competitors.
As she heads into the WTA Finals, Sabalenka’s fans and rivals alike are waiting to see how she handles the weight of the No. 1 ranking and whether she can close out the season with a definitive victory. For Swiatek, the Finals offer a shot at redemption, a chance to prove that her recent dip in form is temporary and that she still has the skill and tenacity to reclaim the top position. Their rivalry promises to define the current era of women’s tennis, adding to the rich history of fierce competition at the top levels of the sport.
Whatever the outcome, Sabalenka’s return to the pinnacle of the WTA rankings marks a new chapter in her career, one where she’s no longer the challenger but the reigning queen of the court. As Vandeweghe aptly noted, holding onto that position will be an entirely new challenge, one that will require Sabalenka to harness her considerable momentum and mental fortitude. With the season finale in Riyadh, tennis fans are in for an exciting conclusion to what has been an unforgettable year for women’s tennis.