Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka are the top two players in the WTA rankings, with Sabalenka currently holding the number one spot. Swiatek has been consistent in her performance, maintaining the second spot in the rankings for the past two years. Despite facing stiff competition, she has demonstrated a champion’s mentality at the highest level.
Swiatek’s success includes her first title at the Wimbledon Championships in 2025, as well as wins in Cincinnati and Seoul. Her season ended with a group-stage exit in the WTA Finals and a quarterfinal exit in Wuhan. As the 2026 season approaches, the competition for the top spot in the WTA rankings is expected to be intense.
Aryna Sabalenka currently leads Iga Swiatek by approximately 2,500 points in the WTA rankings. To reclaim the number one spot, Swiatek needs to outscore Sabalenka by around 2,500 points. The early-season warm-up events will be crucial, but the Australian Open is likely to be the key tournament in determining the rankings.
The Australian Open offers 2,000 points to the champion, making it a significant opportunity for Swiatek to close the gap. A deep run in Melbourne could dramatically reshape the rankings. Sabalenka’s Brisbane title from early 2025 adds pressure to her opening week, and any slip-up could give Swiatek an early advantage.
Additionally, Swiatek will participate in the United Cup, where she could earn up to 500 points in the WTA rankings if she wins five matches. The player who starts the season strongly is likely to make a significant difference in the rankings. The Australian Open runner-up could earn 1,300 points, with 780 points for semifinals and 430 points for quarterfinals. A title in Melbourne alone could swing the number one spot if Sabalenka falls short or exits before the quarterfinals.
The 2026 season is expected to be highly competitive, with Swiatek and Sabalenka vying for the top spot. The outcome will depend on their performance in the early-season tournaments, particularly the Australian Open. With the WTA rankings on the line, both players will be looking to start the season strongly and gain an early advantage.