Major Ranking Shakeup: Sabalenka, Djokovic, and Gauff Triumph
Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic have secured the coveted No. 1 rankings in the world of tennis. Sabalenka, hailing from Belarus, is the 29th woman to claim the No. 1 spot since the advent of computerized rankings in the 1970s. Her recent success at the U.S. Open, culminating in a thrilling final against Coco Gauff, allowed her to dethrone Iga Swiatek, who had held the top position since April 2022 but stumbled in this year’s tournament.
Sabalenka’s meteoric rise has been characterized by strong performances throughout the year, including her first major title at the Australian Open and notable runs at the French Open and Wimbledon. In New York, she clinched the doubles title alongside Jessica Pegula, catapulting them both to the No. 1 spot in doubles.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Coco Gauff has had a remarkable ascent of her own. Gauff climbed three spots to secure the No. 3 position in singles, demonstrating her potential as a tennis prodigy. Alongside partner Jessica Pegula, she also claimed the No. 1 ranking in doubles, following their impressive quarterfinal run.
In the men’s division, Novak Djokovic’s victory over Daniil Medvedev in the U.S. Open final not only marked his 24th Grand Slam singles title but also elevated him to the No. 1 ranking. Djokovic’s incredible career achievement equals Margaret Court’s all-time record and cements his status as one of the greatest tennis players in history. Djokovic’s ascension to the top came after starting the tournament as the No. 2 seed, making it the seventh shift between him and Carlos Alcaraz in 2023.
This ranking shuffle in both men’s and women’s tennis showcases the dynamic nature of the sport, with new talents emerging and seasoned champions continually pushing the boundaries of success.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Republic TV