Fight for first place after Swiatek’s defeat in Australia

Amazing fall Iga Swiatek (No. 1 in the WTA rankings) in the third round of the tournament Australian Open 2024 This again provides an opportunity to fight for the top of the women’s tournament. Detail.

During a crucial stretch of last season and after months of fighting for the position, Aryna Sabalenka replaced Iga Swiatek after 75 consecutive weeks. For eight weeks the Belarusian remained on top, but quickly, thanks to her dedication at the WTA Finals in Cancun, the Warsaw native reclaimed her throne and secured first place at the end of the new year.

For the eighth consecutive Grand Slam, Swiatek entered the 2024 Australian Open as number one. There she tried to adjust to the conditions, but never felt completely comfortable, so in the three fights she had, she struggled more than expected against Sofia Kenin, Danielle Collins and Linda Noskova, who eventually pulled her out of competition yet until the second. week for the first time at a major since Wimbledon 2022.

The closest contenders to the four-time Grand Slam champion in the ranking are the current champion of Melbourne Sabalenka (who defended 2000) and the finalist of the last edition Rybakina (who defended 1300 and lost in the 2nd round).

But the large number of points they are defending at this stage of the tour and the gap between her and the rest of the Top 5 at the moment ensures Swiatek’s consistency at the top. since he has a lead of 975 points, and in the open he defended only 240. So all eyes will be on the US tour in March.

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