Swiatek falls from her throne, Sabalenka becomes world no. 1!

The official publication of the WTA rankings on Monday, October 21, 2024 marked a major event: Iga Swiatek is no longer world no. 1! The Pole had held this position for 50 weeks (125 in total). But she took a step back after a complicated summer, culminating in her defeat in the quarter-finals of the US Open (September 5). She has not appeared in official competition since. In doing so, she relinquished the points of her title in Beijing.

Separated from her coach Tomasz Wiktorowski after her disappointing run in New York, Swiatek wanted to give herself time to find a new coach before making her return to the WTA Tour. She will now work with Belgian Wim Fissette, former coach of Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka and Naomi Osaka.

The opportunity was too good for her main pursuer, Aryna Sabalenka, who took full advantage. The Byelorussian won the Wuhan tournament (WTA 1000, October 7-13) and is now at the top of the WTA rankings with a tiny 41-point lead over Swiatek. By comparison, Coco Gauff (world no. 3) is 3,743 points off 1st place.

This Monday marks Sabalenka's 9th week at the top of the rankings, having already occupied this position between September 11 and November 5, 2023. Like last year, the end-of-season world No.1 spot will be decided at the WTA Finals in Riyadh from November 2 to 9.