Aryna Sabalenka has closed the gap to Iga Swiatek in the Race To Riyadh and she take over at No 1 in the next few days.
Just over three months ago, Iga Swiatek looked set to finish well ahead of Aryna Sabalenka in the Race To Riyadh, but the latter has made up some significant ground in recent weeks and she is on the verge of overtaking the Pole.
Following an incredible start to the 2024 season that yielded titles at the Qatar Open, Indian Wells Open, Madrid Open, Italian Open and Roland Garros, Swiatek found herself clear of the chasing pack.
After her Roland Garros title run, Swiatek enjoyed a 2,977-point lead over second-placed Sabalenka in the Race To Riyadh and after the conclusion of the grass-court season, Sabalenka had slipped to fourth after missing Wimbledon.
Race To Riyadh After Wimbledon
1. Iga Swiatek – 7,465 points
2. Elena Rybakina – 4,901
3. Jasmine Paolini – 4,505
4. Aryna Sabalenka – 4,466
5. Coco Gauff – 3,598
But the Belarusian has enjoyed an incredible few months as she reached the semi-final of the Citi DC Open and the quarter-final of the Canada Open before losing to Amanda Anisimova.
