Australian Open 2025: How will battle for No. 1 spot play out between Aryna Sabalenka-Iga Swiatek

Aryna Sabalenka became the new world number one in 2024 by dethroning Iga Swiatek.

Australian Open 2025 is fast approaching, this major event is scheduled to start on January 12. An action-packed start to the new season is anticipated, as the world’s top players prepare to compete for glory. Some of the biggest names in women’s tennis will battle it out for the coveted silverware.

The top eight seeds for the tournament—Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jasmine Paolini, Qinwen Zheng, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, and Emma Navarro—create a formidable lineup. With abundant talent and intense competition, any one of these players can beat the others on their best day.

Also Read: Top five title favourites in women’s singles at Australian Open 2025

An increased prize money has been announced for this edition of the Australian Open. While several players can contest closely for the title in women’s singles, the spotlight would largely lie on the top three seeds, namely Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.

The Australian Open 2025 promises weeks of exhilarating action and high-stakes competition as the world’s best players vie for glory. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on these three tennis icons as their performances could not only define the championship but also potentially shake up the top of the WTA rankings, with a change at the summit hanging in the balance.

On that note, let’s dive deeper into the race for the world No. 1 spot between Aryna Sabalenka-Iga Swiatek.

Aryna Sabalenka

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka had an excellent 2024 and has begun the new calendar year with a title. The Belarusian defeated big names including Barbora Krejcikova in the quarterfinals, Coco Gauff in the semis and Qinwen Zheng in the finale. It was a near flawless campaign for the eventual winner, as she did not drop a single set on her way to glory.

Entering the new year as the number one ranked player, she further boosted her rankings after her triumph at the Brisbane International. Sabalenka currently stands at 9,656 points. As the previous edition’s winner, the 26-year-old will defend a massive 2,000 points. Winning her third consecutive title in Melbourne will increase her ranking by 9,990 points and hence, she will be able to retain her top position.

However, the Belarusian has no margin for error. If she fails to win, and Swiatek wins the tournament, the Pole will regain the number one ranking.

Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek defeated Danielle Collins in the second round of the 2024 Australian Open. However, she lost to Linda Noskova in the next round. Swiatek currently trails Sabalenka by 1,536 points. However, a triumph in Melbourne would put her in the lead with 9,990 points, a number higher than Sabalenka’s 9,656.

Additionally, she defends only 130 points, as she had lost in the third round last year. Hence, Swiatek has her fate in her own hands. Given her struggles on non-clay courts, it will be a challenge for the Polish to beat the other two.

Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff has a mathematical chance of reaching the top spot, however, it is unlikely. The American must win the championship and hope that Sabalenka loses in her very first round and Swiatek does not reach the third round.

Path to World No. 1 in WTA Rankings:

Aryna Sabalenka

• She wins the tournament
• Reach the final and lose to someone other than Swiatek
• Advances to the semifinals and Swiatek does not go any further
• Qualifies for the quarterfinals and Swiatek loses in the first or second round

Iga Swiatek

• She wins the tournament
• Reaches the final and Sabalenka does not become champion
• Qualifies for the third round and Sabalenka falls in the quarterfinals or earlier

Coco Gauff

• She wins the tournament, Sabalenka loses in the first round and Swiatek does not reach the third round.

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