Tennis: Poland’s Świątek starts week 58 as WTA world No. 1

Poland's Iga Świątek has started her 58th week at the top of the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA) world rankings, with a 1,744-point lead over her nearest rival.

Iga Świątek in action against Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the 2023 Madrid Open.

Photo: EPA/Sergio Perez

The Polish tennis ace was beaten by world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, in the final of the Madrid Open tournament in Spain on Saturday, failing to claim her 14th career singles title.

To be the best, you have to beat the best.

For the second time in her career, @SabalenkaA defeats the reigning World No.1 (2023, Swiatek/2021, Barty) to claim the Madrid title 🏆#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/Ki0QNNXqyy

— wta (@WTA) May 6, 2023

Świątek last month defeated Sabalenka 6-3, 6-4 to win the Stuttgart Open tournament in Germany.

Pojedynki z Igą zawsze są ciężkie, popycha mnie do granic możliwości. Naprawdę podobają mi się nasze starcia - powiedziała 𝐀𝐫𝐲𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐤𝐚 o @iga_swiatek po finale Mutua Madrid Open #MMOPEN

👇https://t.co/BjPaMr6Ifu

— Sport PR (@sportradiopl) May 7, 2023

The 21-year-old Pole, coached by countryman Tomasz Wiktorowski, has topped the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA) world rankings since April 4, 2022.

She now leads the world rankings with 9,625 points, ahead of Sabalenka with 7,881 points, and American Jessica Pegula with 5,300 points.

🎾Roszady w rankingu WTA, ale na czele, niezmiennie od 5⃣8⃣ tygodni IGA ŚWIĄTEK

1. Iga Świątek - 9625 punktów 🇵🇱
2. Aryna Sabalenka - 7881 punktów
3. Jessica Pegula - 5300 punktów 🇺🇸https://t.co/XX9Z2iiPHA

— Sport PR (@sportradiopl) May 8, 2023

Świątek will now be looking to defend her title at the Italian Open tournament, which starts in Rome this week.

Czas na Rzym. Oto potencjalne rywalki Igi Świątek 🔽#WTA #IBI23 https://t.co/LZzDr4dj5P

— Sport PR (@sportradiopl) May 7, 2023

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP