Martina Navratilova recently shared her thoughts on the ongoing battle for the WTA world No. 1 ranking between Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka, following the US Open 2024. Navratilova believes that Sabalenka, fresh off her victory at the US Open, has a strong chance to overtake Świątek by the end of the year. According to her, Sabalenka’s dominance on hard courts this season, including her Australian Open win, puts her in an excellent position for future success. While Świątek remains No. 1 for now, Sabalenka is closing the gap, especially with Świątek having more points to defend in upcoming tournaments【21†source】【22†source】.
Navratilova also praised Sabalenka’s overall improvements, mentioning that she has become a more versatile player, capable of threatening on any surface. However, she believes the Belarusian can still fine-tune certain areas, such as her net play and backhand slice, which could further enhance her game【21†source】.
This close competition sets up an exciting finish to the season, with both players vying for the top spot. Navratilova’s insights highlight the unpredictable nature of tennis, where rankings and momentum can shift quickly.