Iga Swiatek will be, as of Monday, April 4th, the new No. 1 in the world. With Ashleigh Barty dropping from the official roster after 114 consecutive weeks on the throne, Pole will become the first representative of a European nation in that position and 28th since the arrangement was created in 1975.
First and foremost, since the list was created, has been one of the greatest tennis legends: Chris Evert. The American held this position for 260 weeks (she stood on November 3, 1975 and for the last time on October 28, 1985).
Among the cases that have filed the most lawsuits in the history of women’s ranking: Arrival Yvonne Gulagong1 girlfriend and mentor, outgoing Ashleigh Barty, who took first place for two weeks in 1976 but the case was settled 30 years later. Historical fact set precedents in the world of tennis.
In 1978 he came Martina Navratilova To establish a long and powerful reign he dominated the ring for 332 weeks, the second longest after that established by Steffi Graf. Later, in 1980, it was the turn of Tracy Austin. 21 weeks earned her to make her mark as one of the most talented young women on tour of her time.
The big joint came in 1987. Someone who instilled his science and changed the sport forever: Stevie Graf, the owner of countless records, titles, awards and certificates of appreciation. The German player, the only player to win the Gold Championship to this day, is the player who holds the most weeks as the leader of the standings – woman or man – 377 weeks behind her.
early nineties Monica Seles, a young superstar who gave birth to the ring, was responsible for maintaining the lead in one of the most demanding and competitive times on the women’s tour. 178 weeks was enough to leave an indelible mark as one of the best times ever.
In 1995, Spain was present for the first time with Arantexa Sanchez Vicario. The Catalan, a four-time Grand Slam champion, was on the throne for 12 weeks on and off.
Arrived later Martina Hingis (1997) and Lindsey Davenport (1998). The Swiss, who led both methods – singles and doubles – at once, settled there for 209 weeks, occupying the fifth historical place. While the American, a three-time Majors Championship champion, was at the top in the 98-week period, exchanging leadership with Hingis in one of the most legendary rivalries the track has seen.
after arrival Jennifer Capriati (2001), the path began Williams At the top of the world tennis. In 2002, first Venus and then Serena started a chapter that made them champions for 330 weeks (319 Serena and 11 Venus).
The Belgians Kim Clijsters and Justin Henin It rose as one of the top competitors to the American Sisters during the early 2000s. Kim reigned for 20 weeks and Justin for 117 weeks. Amelie Mauresmo, Maria Sharapova, Anna Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic and Dinara SafinaLast on the list stands out as the only first to not win a Grand Slam title – Karolina Pliskova has also joined but is still in the ring.
In 2010, Caroline Wozniacki He achieved his storied entry to the top, but only in 2018 did he win his long-awaited first major title at the Australian Open, a feat that allowed him to return to the top of the standings. In 2012, Victoria LazarenkoA two-time Australian Open champion, former No. 1 on the junior circuit also joined the list of the best tennis players of all time.
Later, Angelique Kerber (2016) and Karolina Pliskova (2017) They established themselves as leaders of the women’s list, and after some time, made way for the second Spanish woman to establish herself in the number one position in the world: Garbine Muguruza, winner of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, one of the great personalities of recent years. 2017 itself was unforgettable Simona Halepwho has been at the helm of the tour for 64 weeks.
in 2019, Naomi Osaka and Ashleigh Barty The top spot was briefly disputed, and finally, the Australian surprised the tennis world a few days ago by announcing her retirement as a professional.
The 28th Caliph on this historical list will be Iga Sweatk. After defeating Viktorija Golubic on her debut inside the WTA 1000 in Miami, she became the first Pole to reach the top of the standings.
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