“Can’t believe WTA dropped this bomb just like this” – Fans shocked as controversial penalty sees Aryna Sabalenka replace Iga Swiatek as World No. 1
Several fans have criticized the WTA’s zero-point penalty rule, which has allowed Aryna Sabalenka to overtake Iga Swiatek for the No. 1 ranking. The Belarusian reclaimed the top spot for the second time in her career during the Pole’s extended absence from the tour.
Per the WTA’s rules, all players must participate in at least six WTA 500-level events each season. However, Sabalenka played only four, while Swiatek participated in just two.
Swiatek, who led Sabalenka by 4,224 ranking points after the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, missed the entire Asian swing following her quarterfinal exit at the US Open. Meanwhile, the Belarusian almost surpassed the Pole in the WTA rankings, winning titles at the WTA 1000 tournaments in Cincinnati and Wuhan and the US Open, and trailing by only 69 points.
However, both players had their lowest points from one of this year’s WTA 1000 events subtracted owing to penalties for not fulfilling the WTA 500 quota. Iga Swiatek lost 120 points from her Miami Open campaign, dropping her to 9,665 points, while the 26-year-old Aryna Sabalenka only lost 10 points from her Dubai campaign, bringing her down to 9,706 points. As a result, the Belarusian claimed the top spot this week.
Many fans disapproved of this rule, with one demanding an explanation from the authorities for its “abrupt” implementation:
“I can’t believe the WTA dropped this ranking bomb just like this, not even writing an explanation article… like this is such an abrupt ending to Iga’s No. 1 reign and Aryna Sabalenka probably didn’t even know she was becoming No. 1 today.”
“She deserved to be #1, that’s for sure, but the way she got there this week was due to some stupid nuances of rules. You are killing this sport – players are overwhelmed and fans need to study advanced maths to understand your ranking points. Great job 👏👏👏,” another said.
“That rule is insane. So next year Iga should just play one random tournament and tank in the first round so she only gets penalized 10 pts. Ridiculous,” a third fan wrote.
Here are a few more reactions:
“Ranking system that Einstein would have trouble figuring out, are the bosses up there serious?? All credit due to Aryna but do better for the players!!” a fan commented.
“If I understand well. Sabalenka is world N1, earlier because Swiatek didn’t make her tournaments obligations this season and has been “penalized”… Not sure if it’s a great advertisement for WTA indirectly….,” another wrote.
“Can admin tell their bosses that they’re killing women’s tennis by their disgusting greediness? Make the schedule players friendly ffs. Thanks,” one said.
These won’t be the only points deducted as next week, the two will lose their next best points following the conclusion of the last WTA 500 event of the season in Tokyo.
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek will compete for the year-end World No. 1 position at the WTA Finals in Riyadh
Aryna Sabalenka at the 2024 Cincinnati Open | Getty ImagesAryna Sabalenka at the 2024 Cincinnati Open | Getty Images
The WTA Finals is on the horizon and will feature two top-ranked players, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. The event which begins on November 2 will also include the other top eight ranked players, including Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Jessica Pegula.
Sabalenka will be the top seed at the tournament, while Swiatek is seeded second. While Sabalenka holds a season record of 54-12, the Pole is at 54-7 this season.
Additionally, as the defending champion, Swiatek will aim to protect 1,500 points at the marquee event.
