Women’s world No 1 ranking on the line at US Open as Sabalenka chases down Swiatek

The Belarusian will become No 1 for the first time if she matches or betters Swiatek’s performance in New York

Zuma / Panoramic

Simon Cambers

August 22, 2023

US Open •First round • completed

See draw

M. ZanevskavsA. Sabalenka

Iga Swiatek has been world No 1 without interruption since April 4, 2022, quickly taking over from Ash Barty after the Australian’s sudden retirement.

In that time, the Pole has won three more Grand Slam titles, including two French Opens and on Monday, she begins the defence of her US Open title.

But her No 1 ranking is very much at risk, with anything other than a successful title defence opening the door for Aryna Sabalenka to become the 29th world No 1 in WTA history.

Sabalenka ahead on live rankings going into US Open

Going into the last Grand Slam event of the year, Swiatek sits on top of the pile with 9,955 points, to the 8,746 of Sabalenka, who won her first slam at the Australian Open earlier this year and who reached the semi-finals at both Roland-Garros and Wimbledon.

But Swiatek has 2000 points to defend in New York, compared to the 780 of Sabalenka, who also made the semis there 12 months ago. Take those points away and Sabalenka is actually ahead, on 7,966 to the 7,955 of Swiatek. So, effectively, the Pole needs to outperform the Belarusian to stay on top.

If Swiatek wins the title, she’ll stay No 1, that much is assured. But if she doesn’t, then Sabalenka will have the chance to overtake her.

Victory for the Belarusian would do it, while if she matches or goes further than Swiatek, then she will take over at the top.

As the top two seeds, the pair cannot meet until the final at Flushing Meadows. If that happens, the No 1 ranking will also be on the line.