Iga Swiatek's hold on World No.1 set to continue for the foreseeable future after Aryna Sabalenka shock exit in Dubai

Iga Swiatek will continue to be the WTA World No. 1 going into the American swing after Aryna Sabalenka suffered defeat at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Sabalenka, who chose to miss the Qatar Open last week, fell to 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-0 loss against Donna Vekic. Despite winning the first set in a tie-breaker, the Belarusian was in cruise control, breaking Vekic's serve in the second and threatening to run away with it. But the Croatian pulled off a remarkable fightback by winning 12 of the last 13 games to win a thriller.

This result means Swiatek, who is yet to start her campaign in Dubai, can open up a near 2,000 point lead at the top of the rankings should the Pole go on to win back-to-back titles.

The next chance Sabalenka will get to realistically close the gap on her rival is when the Tour heads to the United States for the Indian Wells and the Miami Open - both of which are WTA 1000 events - next month. Swiatek has no ranking points to defend in Miami, whilst Sabalenka is defending a Quarter Final worth 215 points.

Elsewhere, World No. 4 Elena Rybakina has closed the gap on Coco Gauff by reaching the Quarter Finals. The American takes to Centre Court later this afternoon against the Czech Karolina Pliskova as she looks to book a spot in the last eight.