Iga Świątek Loses No. 1 Ranking After Prolonged Absence
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Loading... - Archie Bailey
- 21 Oct 2024
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Iga Świątek, the Polish tennis star, has officially lost her position as the world No. 1 in the WTA rankings to Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka after an impressive 125 weeks at the top. This shift in rankings comes as a result of Świątek's recent six-week absence from the WTA tour, during which she last competed on September 5, where she was defeated by American Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals of the US Open.
Świątek's withdrawal from subsequent tournaments has contributed to her drop in points, allowing Sabalenka to take the lead with a narrow margin of just 41 points. In addition to her absence from the court, Świątek has made significant changes to her coaching team, ending her three-year collaboration with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski. Last Thursday, she announced Belgian Wim Fissette as her new coach, signaling a new chapter in her career.
The WTA Finals, set to take place in Saudi Arabia starting November 2, presents a crucial opportunity for Świątek to reclaim her top ranking. The tournament will feature the top eight players in the world, and for Świątek to regain the No. 1 spot, she must win the event while ensuring that Sabalenka does not reach the final.
Świątek will be defending 1,500 points from her unbeaten run in last year's Finals, where she emerged victorious. In contrast, Sabalenka is defending 625 points. If Sabalenka reaches the final, she will secure the year-end No. 1 ranking, regardless of Świątek's performance.
As the WTA Finals approach, all eyes will be on Świątek as she aims to bounce back and reclaim her position at the top of women’s tennis. The upcoming tournament not only holds significant implications for her ranking but also serves as a platform for her to demonstrate her resilience and skill after a challenging period. With a new coach and a renewed focus, Świątek will be eager to make a strong statement in her quest to return to the pinnacle of the sport.
