Sabalenka Reclaims No. 1 Spot in WTA Rankings

Aryna Sabalenka has reclaimed the No. 1 position in the WTA rankings, surpassing Iga Swiatek. Despite neither playing last week, Sabalenka took the lead due to adjustments in tournament quotas. Swiatek, taking a break for a coaching change, will compete at the WTA Finals next month.

Aryna Sabalenka has reclaimed her place at the top of the WTA rankings, ending Iga Swiatek's 11-month tenure as No. 1. The U.S. Open champion overtook Swiatek by 41 points amid ongoing adjustments for tournament quota compliances, as announced by the WTA on Monday.

Sabalenka last held the top ranking between September and November of the previous year. Her victory at the Wuhan Open on October 13 was key in moving back to the No. 1 position. The change comes even though neither Sabalenka nor Swiatek competed in any tournaments last week.

Swiatek, who recently underwent a coaching change, will have her next opportunity to regain the lead during the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, set for next month. Swiatek's last match was a quarterfinal loss to Jessica Pegula at the U.S. Open, who was subsequently defeated by Sabalenka in the final. Aryna also defended her Australian Open title earlier this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)