Confusion as Aryna Sabalenka now crowned ITF World Champion after Iga Swiatek previously confirmed as Women's Singles winner

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.

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.