Aryna Sabalenka’s ascent to the world No. 1 spot in women’s tennis has placed her firmly in the spotlight as the player to beat. After dethroning Iga Swiatek, Sabalenka has not only claimed the coveted top ranking but has also taken on the mantle of the “hunted one,” according to former world No. 9 CoCo Vandeweghe. In the past three months, Sabalenka’s performances have been nothing short of dominant. The 26-year-old secured the US Open title along with WTA 1000 victories in Cincinnati and Wuhan, showcasing her powerful play and fierce competitive edge. Despite a single recent loss to Karolina Muchova in the Beijing quarterfinals, her momentum remains strong as she heads into the WTA Finals in Riyadh, eyeing the Year-End No. 1 title.
The transition to the top of the rankings marks a new chapter for Sabalenka, who now faces the pressure of staying there—a challenge that Swiatek experienced throughout her tenure at the top. Vandeweghe elaborated on this dynamic in a recent interview on Tennis Channel’s *Inside-In* podcast, noting that while Sabalenka is now the one everyone is targeting, the competition is intense, with other top players like Jessica Pegula and Swiatek herself still vying to reclaim dominance. “For so long it’s been Iga that’s had that big target on her back,” Vandeweghe said. “Now, Sabalenka’s going to have that mantle… can she step up to that occasion?” This shift adds a new layer of intrigue to the WTA Finals, where Sabalenka will face immense competition to cement her place.
While Sabalenka has thrived, Swiatek has experienced a turbulent season, marked by some unexpected losses and significant changes to her coaching team. The 23-year-old Polish star recently parted ways with long-time coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, with whom she had won four Grand Slam titles, and brought in Belgian coach Wim Fissette. Fissette, who has previously coached Naomi Osaka to hard-court Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open, aims to expand Swiatek’s game beyond her established success on clay. Swiatek has been dominant on slower surfaces, but her vulnerabilities on hard and grass courts have made her susceptible to faster, power-driven opponents like Sabalenka. Fissette shared his strategy with Eurosport Poland, stating, “Our goal is for Iga to start adding more Grand Slam titles on other surfaces as well.”
The rivalry between Swiatek and Sabalenka has intensified, with Fissette specifically mentioning Sabalenka as one of Swiatek’s biggest competitors. With detailed analyses and targeted preparation, Fissette is strategizing ways to give Swiatek an edge over her key rivals, including Elena Rybakina. “Top players want to play big matches, that’s their main motivation,” Fissette explained. “In the case of players like Aryna Sabalenka… you make an analysis and look for a way to beat them.” As Swiatek works to rebound from a challenging season and adapt to Fissette’s training methods, her upcoming encounters with Sabalenka will undoubtedly be among the most anticipated matches in women’s tennis.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, is acutely aware of the precarious nature of her position at the top. After first ascending to No. 1 post-2023 US Open, she held the ranking for only eight weeks before Swiatek reclaimed it, partly due to Sabalenka’s struggle at the WTA Finals. This year, Sabalenka’s objective is to avoid a repeat of that scenario. With a 1,046-point lead over Swiatek heading into the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Sabalenka is well-positioned to secure the Year-End No. 1 ranking. Her path to clinching the title is clear: she can finish on top by winning all three group matches, reaching the final, or even if Swiatek fails to advance past the Round Robin stage. Sabalenka expressed her resolve to hold onto the No. 1 spot this time, posting on X, “N1…. Let’s see for how long this time.”
Should Sabalenka reach the final, she will maintain her No. 1 ranking even if Swiatek takes the title, adding another layer of excitement to the season’s final major tournament. While Sabalenka has showcased her consistency and drive this season, she now faces a field of top competitors looking to exploit any weakness in her game.
This pressure is something Vandeweghe believes Sabalenka will need to manage carefully. While she has been relentless on the court, now everyone will bring their best to challenge her. “She’s coming off the US Open,” Vandeweghe remarked, pointing out Sabalenka’s impressive momentum. “Aryna is the hunted, and it’s also: what is she going to do with that big target on her back?”
Sabalenka’s evolution as a player has transformed her into a versatile competitor with a dynamic approach to both offense and defense, allowing her to adapt to various playing styles. Yet, her journey to the top has also highlighted the intense competition within the WTA. The rivalry with Swiatek has been especially compelling, marking a new era in women’s tennis where the fight for dominance is constant, with little room for error. With Swiatek determined to prove her adaptability on faster courts under Fissette’s guidance and Sabalenka focused on maintaining her lead, their rivalry is likely to shape the future of the WTA for years to come.
As the WTA Finals approach, Sabalenka’s mission to defend her No. 1 ranking will be tested, particularly with players like Swiatek and Pegula seeking redemption after a challenging season. The Riyadh tournament will not only determine the Year-End No. 1 but will also underscore the ever-shifting landscape of women’s tennis, where young, fierce competitors are pushing each other to new heights.
In a season defined by remarkable performances and high-stakes showdowns, Sabalenka has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, proving that she is ready to lead the pack. However, the challenge of staying on top in such a competitive field is steep. As both Swiatek and Fissette look for ways to regain the No. 1 ranking, and Sabalenka faces her rivals with renewed determination, the WTA Finals promise to be a thrilling finale to a groundbreaking season in women’s tennis.