Confusion as Aryna Sabalenka now crowned ITF World Champion after Iga Swiatek previously confirmed as Women's Singles winner
WTAMonday, 18 December 2023 at 10:21
Aryna
Sabalenka was named the new ITF World Champion, causing confusion just a day
after it was declared Iga Swiatek as the best player of the year. While
Sabalenka achieved a better record in Grand Slams (23-3) and reached world No.
1 during the year, the Polish player reclaimed the top spot in the rankings by
winning the WTA Finals and secured six titles, more than any other player in
the season.
According
to the ITF, Sabalenka's record of 55-14 and her three titles at the Adelaide
International Open, Australian Open, and Madrid Open (in addition to winning
her first Grand Slam at the Australian Open) make her the best player of the
year. She also reached three finals, including the US Open (lost to Coco Gauff)
and the finals of Indian Wells and Stuttgart Open.
Sabalenka's
consistency throughout the year was impressive. She fell before the
quarterfinals in only 3 out of 16 tournaments and achieved eight victories
against top-10 players, with a total prize money of $7,487,013. “2023 has
been an incredible season for me, and I’m very happy to be named ITF World
Champion,” said the world No. 2.
“From
winning my first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open to reaching
world No. 1 for the first time, it has been an amazing year,” Sabalenka added. “I’m very
grateful to my family, my team, and my fans for their support in 2023, and I
can’t wait to get back out on the court for the new season in January,” added
the world No. 2.
Swiatek WTA Player of The Year
The
four-time Grand Slam champion started the year as world No. 1 and held it until
September, completing 75 consecutive weeks at the top considering the streak
from 2022. She lost the No. 1 ranking after falling in the quarterfinals of the
US Open but regained it eight weeks later with the title at the WTA Finals. She
now has a total of 80 weeks as the world's best player, becoming the tenth
player in history with the most weeks.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- I love WTA matches. Seek them out as much as possible on youtube and other platforms I already subscribe to. With that in mind, I do not wish to pay $$$ to a notoriously slippery subscription conglomerate sports broadcaster (like SkySports) just for the privilege to watch it and the tnt/eurosport/discovery subscription went from $$ to $$$+ annually in a blink of an eye. With ATP I have been begrudgingly paying xyz tennis only channel and try to catch up on slams elsewhere (pubs, youtube with USO later on games are just as enjoyable to watch and a smart move to upload on their official channel) but they don't cover WTA. I tried another Tennis dedicated channel that advertised originally as broadcasting where I live, but turned out, they took the money, but didn't cover the matches (only fluff/filler value documentaries). I don't understand why it is so hard to not lock the live matches to one broadcaster only refusing so many people who are happy to pay for the privilege just not through that one entry point. WTA is so exciting for the last few years and they really should capitalise on it as much as possible. And I know it is somewhat naive talking without knowing the inner works, but not being able to find any WTA other than youtube (and then only highlights mostly) is just so frustrating.JayJay11-09-2026
- Clearly not AI :-)
AceOfBase11-09-2026 - Oh my God!! Does anyone proofread these pages??? Case in point: However, the question mark over the 32-years-old head......???? No! No! No! However, the question mark over the 32-year-old's head...good grief man, hire a proofreader. This article is rife with errors making some sentences very difficult to read. I had to stop. I am a proofreader hence my disgust.Rapunzel10-09-2026
- Iga needs to make a decision whether she wants to continue the sport of tennis or pursue whatever she has going on in her personal life. One can tell that tennis is no longer an interest of hers. She should retire while she is on top, not when she slides to the bottom of the rankings. She has too much talent to look how she does on the court these days. She looks more like a wild card than a champion.crissy09-09-2026
- Looks like tennis has become a part of the American Oligarchy. As usual, Pegula is given a cupcake draw. With all her money, they have to fixed the draws in her favor in order to raised the trophy.crissy09-09-2026
- Huge win for Ben! He needed this. Amazing that Alcaraz took over four months off and still was able to make the QF’s and take Ben to a fifth set tie break! Insane tennis. Tiafoe vs. Shelton should be a good one too. Americans might finally get their US Open Champion after 23 years!DaveyWavey09-09-2026
- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
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