Race to WTA World No.1: Swiatek needs final to keep top spot, Haddad Maia could hand Sabalenka World No.1 on Thursday
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka is currently as of time of writing facing Karolina Muchova for a spot in the Roland Garros final, with Iga Swiatek set for a clash later with Beatriz Haddad Maia.
But the potentially highly touted final between Swiatek and Sabalenka could yet see the imperious Pole hoisted off the World No.1 spot.
She has held it for 62 consecutive weeks since overtaking the top spot after Ashleigh Barty's retirement in April 2022. The 12th most weeks currently at World No.1.
Only Steffi Graf and Martina Hingis have held the World No.1 spot for longer. Elite company.
But amid recent titles and also Swiatek's clay court prowess up to Roland Garros being called into question, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina - the latter being out in Paris due to illness have took the fight to Swiatek.
Sabalenka could go top today if Haddad Maia beats Swiatek
Sabalenka to move to World No.1 could secure it by way of Beatriz Haddad Maia who if she defeats Swiatek will hand it to the Belarusian. Or if she wins the title.
Swiatek's equation is a bit more complicated as she could lose it even in event of reaching the final which she needs to even stay World No.1.
Rise of Rybakina to join top three
Overall if Sabalenka wins the title, the top spot is hers which considering the imperios run of Swiatek over the past year has been somewhat unheard of.
Elena Rybakina also will rise despite exiting due to illness overtaking Jessica Pegula from Monday in the WTA Rankings meaning the so called Big Three will now all be together. An interesting sight also going into Wimbledon and US Open.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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