Aryna Sabalenka finally dethrones Iga Swiatek as new World Number One after US Open

After many false dawns, Aryna Sabalenka has finally dethroned Iga Swiatek to become the new World Number One after the US Open following the latter's defeat to Jelena Ostapenko on Sunday.

Sabalenka was previously a win away from becoming World Number One both at Roland Garros and at Wimbledon before heartbreaking losses to Karolina Muchova and Ons Jabeur. But has now done it without needing an all important win.

Swiatek retaining her Roland Garros title against Muchova would see her become just the third WTA player to spend 70 consecutive weeks at No.1, a streak that ends on 75. The Pole has anchored the sport ever since Ashleigh Barty retired back in April 2022.

The Belarusian who becomes the second from her country after Victoria Azarenka to top the rankings will now go into her clash with Daria Kasatkina without the pressure of having to play for the ranking. Albeit winning will now help keep Swiatek at bay of an immediate return.

Sabalenka becomes only the 29tth woman to become World Number One and the eighth to become World Number One in both singles and doubles.