Iga Swiatek, the WTA No. 2, lost World No.1 ranking last week to Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka. Despite enjoying an excellent winning streak since November 2023, the Pole’s season deflated in the second half of the year after a failed stint at the US Open. With the WTA Finals as a last chance, we will examine Swiatek’s chances of regaining the No. 1 ranking.
Scenarios to return to the top
The format of the WTA Finals to be played in Riyadh will be the classic round-robin format. The top eight players will be divided into two groups of four and each will face the other three in their group, with the top two advancing to the semifinals.
Swiatek comes into the tournament with 1,500 points to defend, as she was the undefeated champion the previous year. On the other hand, Sabalenka is only defending 625 points as a 2023 semifinalist. Currently, Swiatek has 7,970 points, while Sabalenka has 9,016.
Possibilities for Swiatek
- Win all her matches: To return to the top of the rankings, Swiatek must win all her matches in the group stage and advance to the final. If she does so undefeated and Sabalenka loses at least one match in her group and does not win the tournament, Swiatek will regain the top spot.
- Overtake Sabalenka: If both reach the final, Swiatek must win to reclaim the number one ranking. However, if Sabalenka wins the title, she will retain the top ranking no matter what Swiatek does.
The pressure imposed by Sabalenka after her coronation at the US Open changed the outlook in the WTA. The Belarusian not only lifted two Grand Slam trophies in the season (compared to only one by the Pole) but also had a successful tour of Asia, winning the Shanghai Masters.
Swiatek has not had it easy, as she has had to make important changes in her work team, which could also have had some repercussions in her absence from the courts. She is expected to be back competing at the highest level at the WTA Finals to try to regain her place at the top of the rankings.
Iga Swiatek has arrived in Riyadh for the WTA Finals. This will be her first tournament since the US Open. Excited to see her back on court. 🇵🇱❤️
