During the media day for the 2024 WTA Finals, Aryna Sabalenka, the newly crowned WTA No. 1, shared her thoughts on various off-court topics while also reflecting on the upcoming tournament in Saudi Arabia. As she steps into the year-end Masters event, Sabalenka comes in with a remarkable sense of confidence, having recently overtaken Iga Swiatek in the rankings. This achievement is particularly significant as it positions her as a formidable favorite for the title, which could further widen her lead over Swiatek, her closest competitor.
Sabalenka, who has captured three Grand Slam titles, emphasized that her primary aim for the remainder of the year is to solidify her status as the world’s top player. “All season I’ve said that my main goal is to finish the season as the best on the planet. I will do everything I can to make that happen,” she stated. Her determination is palpable; she understands the intensity of competition that awaits her in the Finals and is prepared to give her all in each match. “I know that every match will be extremely challenging, and I’m ready to give my best and put up great battles. It was a surprise for me to see, a few weeks ago, that I was back at No. 1, and now what I want most is to finish there. I think I had a great year, and I worked hard to get there,” she added.
Discussing her feelings about competing in Saudi Arabia, Sabalenka expressed her support for the efforts being made in the country to promote women’s sports and improve the lives of women. “I have no problem playing here; I think it’s important to take tennis to as many places as possible in the world and inspire young people. In Saudi Arabia, they are making a great effort to promote women’s tennis,” she explained. Her enthusiasm is not just about competing; it’s also about being part of a larger movement that seeks to empower women in a region where opportunities have historically been limited. “I’m very happy to be part of something that could be historic,” she said, reflecting her desire to be a role model and advocate for change.
On the tennis courts of Riyadh, Sabalenka noted the distinct characteristics of the playing surface, commenting, “It’s a much faster surface than the one in China, and the balls are lighter too. I think that works in my favor. It’s a lot of fun to hit drop shots.” Her evolution as a player is evident; she spoke about incorporating new shots into her game, particularly the drop shot. “If you had told me five years ago that I would have this shot in my repertoire, I wouldn’t have believed it, because I don’t have a great hand. However, I managed to incorporate it, and I think I do a lot of damage because it gives me more control over my opponent, making them hesitate,” she explained. This newfound confidence in her technique came about during a match where she faced physical challenges and needed to adapt her strategy. “From that moment on, I executed it with more sense and effectiveness; it’s almost a natural shot now,” she concluded, highlighting her growth as a competitor.
The backdrop of Sabalenka’s rise to the top is a fascinating narrative in women’s tennis. After nearly a year, she reclaimed the No. 1 ranking by surpassing Swiatek, amassing 9,706 points compared to Swiatek’s 9,665. This ascension followed a series of outstanding performances, including victories at prestigious tournaments such as the Australian Open and the US Open, as well as successful outings at the WTA 1000 events in Cincinnati and Wuhan. Her success has been amplified by Swiatek’s absence from the tour during a personal transition, which involved a coaching change. This period of recalibration in points has proven to be pivotal; both players had to navigate the requirement to compete in a certain number of WTA events to maintain their rankings, further intensifying the stakes for the upcoming matches.
Swiatek’s reign as the top player, lasting from November 6, 2023, to October 20, 2024, comprised 125 weeks—placing her seventh in the all-time list. This impressive streak included surpassing notable figures like Ashleigh Barty and Justine Henin. In contrast, Sabalenka’s return to the top spot, albeit brief last year, has positioned her for a potentially dominant finish to the season. As the WTA Finals approach, both players face significant pressure; Swiatek needs to defend her title from the previous year, while Sabalenka must advance beyond the group stage to retain her No. 1 ranking.
As the tournament draws near, the excitement is palpable. With both players at the top of their games and significant stakes on the line, fans can anticipate a thrilling showdown at the WTA Finals, showcasing not just the talent and determination of these incredible athletes, but also the evolution of women’s tennis on a global stage.