WTA Rankings update: Aryna Sabalenka takes a big lead over Iga Swiatek ahead of the WTA Finals, Jasmine Paolini, Mirra Andreeva attain new peaks
The points from last year’s WTA Finals have come off in this week’s WTA rankings, leading to a shake-up in the upper echelons of women’s tennis. Aryna Sabalenka now has a huge advantage heading into this year’s year-end championships. She commenced her second week atop the summit this season, and 10th overall, with 9,016 points.
Swiatek is in second place with 7,970 points. If she intends to end the season ranked atop the rankings for the third year in a row, then she will have to defend her title at the WTA Finals, that too, without losing a single group stage tie. Sabalenka can seal the deal in her favor if she wins all three of her group matches, even if the Pole goes on to win the title after that.
While Coco Gauff is a non-mover at No. 3, Jasmine Paolini moved up two places to a new career high of No. 4. She won her maiden WTA 1000 title in her breakthrough season, and finished as the runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon. She could overtake the American provided she does better than her at the WTA Finals.
Elena Rybakina remains steady at No. 5, while Jessica Pegula dropped down a couple of spots to No. 6. She was the runner-up at last year’s WTA Finals, which resulted in her fall in this week’s WTA rankings. Zheng Qinwen, Emma Navarro, and Daria Kasatkina remain firm at No. 7, No. 8, and No. 9 respectively. Danielle Collins moved up a spot to return to the top 10 at No. 10.
