How can Swiatek defend number one spot from Sabalenka?

| by Evita Mueller

Iga Swiatek took over as world number one last year but her reign as the best player in the world might come to an end in Paris.

This time a year ago Swiatek was extending her winning streak at Roland Garros and cruising towards her second grand slam trophy. She would get it by beating Coco Gauff in the final and then add another at the US Open later that year.

She's still number one in the world yet her claim to top spot has never been shakier. The number one favourite to win the event, Swiatek faces the reality of possibly losing the number one spot should she come up short of that goal.

2023 Roland Garros French Open WTA Draw - Swiatek, Sabalenka, Rybakina & more
2023 Roland Garros French Open WTA Draw - Swiatek, Sabalenka, Rybakina & more

There are multiple ways Sabalenka could usurp Swiatek as the number one player in the world and we will break it down for you. Much of that will have to do with how Swiatek plays herself because she can only lose points.

The difference right now stands at 1399 points and if Swiatek fails to reach the quarter-final she's out as number one regardless of what Sabalenka does. The other scenarios involve how Sabalenka does at the event. She's never gone past the 3rd round but if she reaches the 4th round then Swiatek would need to reach the semi-final to remain number one.

If Sabalenka reaches the semi-finals, Swiatek needs the final and if Sabalenka reaches the final then Swiatek needs to win. Either way, it's going to be a very interesting battle for the number one spot and the Roland Garros trophy.

2023 Roland Garros French Open ATP Draw With Djokovic & Alcaraz In Same Half
2023 Roland Garros French Open ATP Draw With Djokovic & Alcaraz In Same Half

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