Iga Swiatek's number one spot in WTA rankings in danger after China Open withdrawal

Poland’s Iga Swiatek’s number one spot in WTA rankings is in danger after she withdrew from the China Open. The 23-year-old is already regarded as one of the best players in women’s tennis in the singles category along with Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka.

Swiatek has suffered a serious blow in her bid to keep her top spot in the WTA rankings as recently withdrew from the upcoming China Open. "Due to personal matters, I’m forced to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing,” she said in a statement. “I’m very sorry as I had an amazing time playing and winning this tournament last year and was really looking forward to being back there. I know that the fans will experience great tennis there and I’m sorry I won’t be a part of it this time."

As things stand, Swiatek has a more than 2,000 rating points lead over Sabalenka in the WTA rankings. The Warsaw-born star has 10,885 points, whereas the Belarusian tennis star has 8,716. However, with her withdrawal from the China Open, where she lifted the title last year, Swiatek is set to lose 1,000 points, which would decrease her lead to just over 1,000 points. It is not clear whether world number one will take part in the Wuhan Open, which will be organised just after the China Open.

On top of that, Swiatek also has to defend another 1,000 points at the WTA Finals where she lifted the title last year as well. On the other hand, it is also not clear when Sabalenka will next take part in professional tennis. The Minsk-born has had an impressive 2024 season, where she has lifted two Grand Slam titles. Her most recent triumph was in the US Open, where she lifted the title after beating America’s Jessica Pegula in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 7-5.