How can Iga Swiatek become the World No 1 at WTA Finals 2023 replacing Aryna Sabalenka

The performances of Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek in the WTA Finals will decide who becomes the year-end World No. 1.

How can Iga Swiatek become the World No 1 at WTA Finals 2023 replacing Aryna Sabalenka

Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka (Sources: New York Times, Sports Illustrated)

The very last tournament of the 2023 WTA tour season, i.e., the WTA Finals, will be played from October 29th to November 5th in Cancun, Mexico, and it will decide who among Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek will finish the year as the World No. 1 player. Right now, Aryna Sabalenka leads the rankings with 8,425 points, and she is closely followed by Iga Swiatek, who has 7,795. 

The Polish international is just 630 points behind the Belarusian, and if things go in her favor and she is able to perform incredibly well in the WTA Finals, she might end up reclaiming the No. 1 spot. However, the odds are against her, and it will be a difficult task to accomplish. Coco Gauff, who currently sits at No. 3, trails behind Aryna Sabalenka by 2,470 and has no possibility of becoming the year-end No. 1. 

YouTube video

All the players will have to play three round-robin group matches first in order to qualify for the knockout stages of the WTA Finals. Iga Swiatek’s chance of becoming World No. 1 will depend on how well Aryna Sabalenka performs in the tournament.

FS Video

If Aryna Sabalenka loses all three of her group stage matches, Iga would either have to remain unbeaten in the group stage and then reach the final or win the tournament to become No. 1. 

If Aryna Sabalenka loses two and wins one match in the group stage, Iga Swiatek will have to win the title. If she wins two and loses one match in the group stage, Iga Swiatek will have to win the title and have at least two wins in the group stage.

If Sabalenka remains unbeaten in the group stage, Swiatek will have to remain unbeaten in the group stage as well, besides winning the final, if she is to replace the Belarusian as the World No. 1. 

How can Aryna Sabalenka remain the World No. 1?

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Source: US Open)

Aryna Sabalenka became World No. 1, replacing Iga Swiatek, after her performance in the US Open, where she suffered a defeat in the final against Coco Gauff. The Belarusian can very easily remain at the helm of the rankings at the year-end if she performs well in the WTA Finals, as she is in control of her own fate, unlike Iga Swiatek. 

If Aryna Sabalenka reaches the final of the WTA Finals while keeping a 2-1 record in the group stage, she will remain the year-end No. 1 irrespective of Iga Swiatek’s results. However, her task becomes easier if the Polish international fumbles.

If Iga loses a round-robin match, Sabalenka can remain No.1 just by being unbeaten in the round-robin play or reaching the final. If Iga loses two group stage matches, being 2-1 in the Group stages will seal the deal for Sabalenka. 

In case you missed it: