Aryna Sabalenka recently captured the coveted World No. 1 spot in women’s tennis from her fierce competitor Iga Świątek, following an exceptional season that saw her claim her second Grand Slam title of the year. This achievement came after her victory at the U.S. Open in September, building on her earlier success at the Australian Open, and bringing her total Grand Slam wins to three. The race between Sabalenka and Świątek for dominance on the WTA Tour has been one of the year’s most captivating storylines, showcasing a rivalry marked by resilience, skill, and an unrelenting drive to be the best.
While Sabalenka took the US Open and Australian Open, Świątek solidified her own place in tennis history with her victory at the French Open, her fourth triumph at Roland Garros, adding to her growing reputation as one of the clay court’s all-time greats. Yet, despite her successes on clay, Świątek was unable to clinch another Grand Slam title this season, leaving the door open for Sabalenka’s ascent. Now, as the year-end WTA Finals in Riyadh approach, the world number one ranking is once again up for grabs. Sabalenka currently holds the top position by a razor-thin margin of just 41 points, which sets the stage for a thrilling showdown between her and Świątek in Saudi Arabia.
Former WTA star and doubles champion CoCo Vandeweghe recently commented on the implications of Sabalenka’s new ranking. Appearing on the *Inside In* podcast, Vandeweghe emphasized the unique pressures now facing Sabalenka as the player to beat. “Aryna [Sabalenka] is the hunted,” Vandeweghe explained. “What is she going to do with that big target on her back? For so long it’s been Iga [Świątek] who has had the big target on her back, everyone chasing Iga to take that number one ranking, to beat her on the biggest stages. Now Sabalenka is going to have that mantle, and what is she able to do with it? Can she hold on to that? Can she step up to that occasion?”
For Sabalenka, the WTA Finals will be her first significant test as the newly-crowned World No. 1, and Vandeweghe’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the tennis community. Sabalenka has worked hard to climb the rankings and stay consistent, but with her newfound position comes additional scrutiny and pressure to perform. Unlike previous tournaments, where she was one of several contenders, Sabalenka now enters Riyadh as a clear favorite, with many eyes watching to see how she handles this change in expectations.
Sabalenka’s lead over Świątek at the top is so slim that even a minor setback in Riyadh could result in Świątek reclaiming the top spot. This intense competition has pushed both players to bring out their best on the court, with Sabalenka’s powerful, aggressive style of play contrasting with Świątek’s strategic, defense-oriented approach. Both players are aware of the stakes; as the finals approach, it’s not just about winning the tournament but also about setting the tone for the upcoming season and solidifying their positions as top contenders in 2025.
Vandeweghe also pointed out that other players in the WTA Finals lineup, like Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff, are motivated to regain momentum. “People are trying to get some momentum back, I’m going to drop Iga in that list, I’m going to drop Jessica Pegula in that list,” she said. “They have a sour taste in their mouth, of a loss that they think that maybe they shouldn’t have had.” Vandeweghe’s perspective highlights the hunger and competitive edge present across the field this year, with several players entering the finals with a score to settle.
The field in Riyadh is undoubtedly stacked with talent. Joining Sabalenka and Świątek are top players like Pegula, Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, Zheng Qinwen, and Barbora Krejcikova. Świątek, who enters as the defending champion, will be seeking to repeat her 2023 success, which saw her overcome both Sabalenka and Pegula to claim the title. Pegula, a constant threat with her all-court game, has been close to a major breakthrough, and she’s certainly a player to watch in the tournament. Gauff, fresh off her remarkable US Open victory, will bring her youthful energy and strong mental game to the finals, making her a formidable opponent for anyone in the draw.
Other players, such as Rybakina and Krejcikova, have had solid seasons as well, showing flashes of brilliance at key events and consistently challenging the top seeds. Zheng Qinwen and Jasmine Paolini, who made strides in their careers this year, will also bring depth to the field and could easily disrupt expectations if they find their rhythm. Rybakina, in particular, has shown that she can match up well against both Sabalenka and Świątek, making her a dangerous contender.
As the WTA Finals in Riyadh approach, Sabalenka’s ascent to the World No. 1 spot will undoubtedly add a new layer of intrigue to the event. Her powerful, baseline-dominated play style has proven successful against many opponents, but the finals will test her ability to maintain that high level of performance amid the added expectations of being the top-ranked player. At the same time, Świątek’s adaptability and consistent court presence make her a formidable challenger, especially with her experience in handling the pressure of being World No. 1. The finals will offer both players an opportunity to assert their dominance, not only to close out the season on a high note but also to send a message to each other and to the rest of the field heading into 2025.
In this intense, competitive field, the 2024 WTA Finals are shaping up to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent memory. The stakes are high, not just for Sabalenka and Świątek but for all of the players looking to end the year with a statement. With such a talented lineup and the year-end No. 1 spot hanging in the balance, tennis fans around the world can expect thrilling matches and a captivating showdown between two of the sport’s brightest stars, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek, each vying for supremacy on one of tennis’s biggest stages.