Confusion in the Sabalenka-Rybakina US Open final

The world ranking has its own rules, it reflects a reality that has been built over the last twelve months. Although many times it may or may not coincide with what is happening the same week in which the ‘sorpasso’ at the head of the WTA classification occurs.

It also happens in the men’s ATP. This Monday it could be the case that Elena Rybakina becomes the thirtieth player to reach No. 1 WTA after being defeated by the person who drops to No. 2, the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenkawho had spent 99 consecutive weeks in command, since October 21, 2024. In his career he has been in charge for 104 weeks.

A case with precedent, Sabalenka herself debuted at the top on September 11, 2023, after having lost the US Open final with Coco Gauff.

The defending champion arrived in New York and needed to win the tournament if the ruling that did not come from her naturalized Russian Kazakh colleague occurred. Before Sabalenka and Rybakina They fight for the US Open, which interests them more than the ranking since history is based on Grand Slam crowns, the Belarusian has subtracted 700 points and the Kazakh has added 1,060.

A dance of numbers, perhaps confusing for the fans, although well regulated. Yeah Sabalenka She is the champion, she makes the hat trick, she will reach 8,575 points, while Rybakina will stay ahead with 9,201. A difference of 626. If there is full Elenaentering the tournament’s record, will leave with 9,901 points, compared to Aryna’s 7,875, with a considerable advantage of 2,026.