Swiatek’s Hopes to Retake World No. 1 Slim, Says Former Tennis Pro

In a tight race for the top spot in women’s tennis, former pro Mark Petchey suggests that Iga Swiatek may not reclaim her World No. 1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka. Petchey believes the Belarusian powerhouse has too many advantages, casting doubt on Swiatek’s chances to overtake Sabalenka, who seized the top spot this past September.

Swiatek, who dominated the World No. 1 position for over a year, had a strong season capped by another French Open title. However, a string of recent setbacks, including an early exit from the U.S. Open, opened the door for Sabalenka to claim the top ranking. Since her Grand Slam victory at the Australian Open, Sabalenka has been consistent in form, with a powerful game style that’s proven difficult for rivals to match, especially on faster courts.

“Sabalenka has elevated her game this year,” said Petchey. “She’s worked hard to add consistency, which, combined with her power, puts her on a different level. Swiatek may find it challenging to regain that edge.”

Petchey adds that Swiatek might need to adjust her game to match Sabalenka’s speed and strength. Her playing style built on finesse and agility has struggled against Sabalenka’s aggressive play, and this could pose a significant hurdle as she looks ahead to future tournaments.

Despite Petchey’s comments, Swiatek’s resilience and skill make her a strong challenger to the current No. 1. If she can adapt, she could still have a shot at closing the gap.

With Sabalenka at the top and Swiatek close behind, the two have crafted one of the most dynamic rivalries in women’s tennis. As each brings a distinct style and fierce competitiveness to the court, this season promises continued excitement as fans watch closely to see how this battle unfolds.