By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday January 8, 2024
Iga Swiatek went 5-0 in singles at United Cup last week, and stretched her lead at the top of the WTA rankings over World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka. The Pole leads Sabalenka by 975 points in Monday’s WTA rankings.
Swiatek is guaranteed to hold the No. 1 ranking through the Australian Open, which will bring her total of weeks at No.1 to 88.
Swiatek is tenth all-time when it comes to weeks at No.1. Lindsay Davenport, who recorded 98 weeks at No.1, is her next target on the list.
The four-time Slam champion is protecting 240 points for reaching the round of 16, while Sabalenka defends 2000 for her 2023 title and Rybakina is defending 1300 runner-up points. There was more movement in the Top 5, as Brisbane champion Elena Rybakina picked up 500 points to rise above Auckland champion Coco Gauff into the No.3 spot in the rankings.
Kerber, Osaka on the Rise
Returning to the tour after long stints away, four-time Slam champion Naomi Osaka and three-time Slam champion Angelique Kerber picked up some much needed ranking points.
Kerber went 1-4 in singles at United Cup, but did improve her form dramatically in her win over Ajla Tomljanovic. Osaka went 1-1, losing in the round of 32 to Karolina Pliskova at Brisbane.
Osaka rose to 657 and Kerber rose to 833. Next stop, Aussie Open, where both will be dangerous floaters in the draw.
Zheng Qinwen Career High
There has been turbulence in the coaching box for China’s Zheng Qinwen over the last year, but the rise remains steady nevertheless. Zheng went 2-1 at United Cup and rises to a career-high No.13.
Other milestone makers include Mexico’s Renata Zarazua, who makes her Top 100 debut at 98 and becomes the second Mexican woman to hold a Top 100 ranking.