Sabalenka back in contention for world number 1: "She should do it".

Elio Valotto

le 08/09/2024 à 17h49

1 min to read

Navratilova Sabalenka Swiatek US Open

With this second Grand Slam title of the season, Aryna Sabalenka has largely consolidated her position as runner-up to Iga Swiatek, especially as her main pursuer is no longer Coco Gauff, but Jessica Pegula.

Having enjoyed a successful season, can the Belarusian set her sights higher and hope to take Iga Swiatek's place as world number 1?

She still has a long way to go, trailing the Pole by just over 2,000 points, but her current state of form, combined with Swiatek's relative lack of fitness, could be just the thing.

At least, that's what Martina Navratilova, former world number 1 and 18-time Major champion, thinks.

In comments relayed by Sky Sports, she explains: "She's the best player on hard court and she's catching up with Iga Swiatek in the rankings, so we'll see who finishes as world No. 1 at the end of the year.

I think it's still mathematically possible for Sabalenka to get there by the end of the year, and she should, because she's won two major tournaments.

I have the impression that she has improved all aspects of her game, gradually and as a whole.

I think she can improve her transition game and come to the net more often.

She's so big at the net that it's hard to get past her. I'd like to see that transition.

It's on the sliced backhand that she can improve the most, especially on grass."