Aryna Sabalenka Clinches World No. 1 Ranking for 2024
"Aryna Sabalenka secures her place in history as World No.1 for 2024, capping an amazing season marked by Grand Slam victories and resilience, despite facing setbacks, solidifying her status in women's tennis."
Aryna Sabalenka will conclude the 2024 season as the World No.1, achieving a significant milestone following Iga Swiatek’s loss in the second round to Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Sabalenka came into the finals aware that a flawless round-robin performance could secure her top ranking, but Swiatek’s defeat to Gauff ensured the Belarusian's position no matter the results of the remaining matches.
This year has been extraordinary for Sabalenka, who ascended to the No.1 rank after winning two Grand Slam titles, including the US Open, as well as two WTA 1000 titles. Even more remarkable is that she accomplished this while being unable to participate in Wimbledon due to injury, beginning the year-end race in fourth place and trailing Swiatek by 3,000 points. As a result, she becomes the 16th player in WTA history to end the year at No.1.
Katerina Siniakova, the top-ranked doubles player at the end of the year, is also making waves in Riyadh. Partnering with Taylor Townsend, she is preparing for an important third round-robin match today against the strong pairing of Hsieh Su-wei and Elise Mertens.
