Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarusian tennis star, is likely deserving of her current position as the world’s No. 1 ranked player, according to former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martínez. Sabalenka’s ascent to the top of the WTA rankings in October, following a strong performance at the WTA Finals, saw her overtake Iga Świątek for the first time since 2022, securing the year-end No. 1 ranking for 2024. In light of Sabalenka’s success, Martínez has offered her perspective on the reasons why the Belarusian probably deserves her spot at the top of the rankings ahead of the Polish star, Świątek.
Sabalenka’s remarkable rise in 2024 is marked by her impressive achievements on the court, where she has consistently proven herself as one of the best players in women’s tennis. The Belarusian won two Grand Slam titles in 2024, which set her apart from her rivals, including Świątek, who secured one major championship this year. Sabalenka’s Grand Slam victories, paired with her ability to consistently reach the latter stages of tournaments, have propelled her to the top of the rankings.
In contrast, Świątek’s season has been somewhat tumultuous. Despite her continued dominance over the course of the past few years, the Pole struggled with injury concerns and a mid-season coaching split that impacted her performance. Most notably, Świątek missed the entirety of the Asian swing after a disappointing quarterfinal exit at the US Open, which allowed her chief rival, Sabalenka, to surge ahead in the rankings. In addition, Świątek’s split from her coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, further added to the uncertainty surrounding her game, making it easier for Sabalenka to capitalize on the situation.
Martínez, who was herself once ranked world No. 2, shared her thoughts on the current state of women’s tennis and how both Świątek and Sabalenka have dominated the sport in recent years. In a conversation ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga, the former Grand Slam champion expressed her belief that Sabalenka’s improvements in her game have played a significant role in her rise to No. 1. Martínez praised Sabalenka’s work ethic, noting that the Belarusian had made significant strides in key areas of her game, particularly her serve and forehand. These improvements, coupled with Sabalenka’s consistent tournament wins, made it clear to Martínez that the Belarusian deserved her place at the top of the rankings.
“I really like how Aryna has gotten so much better in many aspects of her game,” Martínez said. “She’s improved her serve, and her forehand is very powerful. She’s been playing in finals and winning tournaments, so she probably deserves to be there. Iga didn’t play for a couple of months, and that opened the door for Aryna.”
Martínez went on to emphasize that while Sabalenka and Świątek have been the dominant forces in women’s tennis in recent years, there is a growing sense that other players could challenge them at the top of the rankings in 2025. She highlighted the emergence of young talents like Coco Gauff, who has been playing exceptional tennis, and the continued potential of former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, who, if she can stay healthy, could become a major contender for the top spot in the rankings.
“Right now, it’s clear that Iga and Aryna are the dominant players, but there are many great players out there who can do very well,” Martínez explained. “Coco is playing so great, and I think she can also do very well. Rybakina is up there, too, if she can fix her health problems and play a lot of tournaments. She’s already won a Grand Slam and many tournaments, so she’s definitely someone to watch.”
While the 2024 season has largely been defined by the rivalry between Sabalenka and Świątek, Martínez’s words suggest that the top of the women’s game could see more variety in the near future. Gauff’s rise to world No. 2 in the summer of 2024 demonstrated her potential, and her form has only continued to improve, making her a strong candidate to challenge for the top rankings in the coming years. Similarly, Rybakina, despite her struggles with injury, remains a formidable player who has already proved herself at the highest level with her Wimbledon victory and strong showings at other majors.
This sense of unpredictability at the top of the rankings is a welcome development for women’s tennis, as it promises a more open and competitive future. While Sabalenka and Świątek have shown exceptional consistency and dominance over the past few years, other players like Gauff and Rybakina are beginning to make their mark on the sport. With more players improving their game and making strides in their careers, the WTA rankings are expected to become more dynamic in the coming seasons.
It’s worth noting that the last time neither Świątek nor Sabalenka was ranked world No. 1 was back in April 2022, when Ashleigh Barty held the top spot before her surprising retirement. Since then, Świątek and Sabalenka have largely controlled the rankings, with occasional challenges from other players like Gauff. The shift in the rankings and the potential for new challengers to rise to the top only adds to the excitement of women’s tennis.
Looking ahead to 2025, Martínez believes that the future of women’s tennis is bright. With young stars like Gauff and Rybakina continuing to develop their games and challenge the established order, the landscape of women’s tennis is poised for further evolution. Sabalenka and Świątek may continue to lead the charge at the top of the rankings for now, but the competition from other players is only set to intensify, making for an exciting and unpredictable future for the sport.
In conclusion, Aryna Sabalenka’s current position as world No. 1 is well-earned, thanks to her consistent performances and significant improvements in key areas of her game. However, as Conchita Martínez has pointed out, the top of the women’s game is becoming more competitive, with players like Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina poised to make their own bids for the No. 1 ranking in the near future. As 2025 approaches, the WTA rankings are likely to become more dynamic, with more players emerging as serious contenders to break the stranglehold of Sabalenka and Świątek at the top. The next few years promise to be an exciting chapter in the history of women’s tennis.