As the 2024 WTA season came to a close, the women’s tennis landscape was filled with drama, particularly surrounding two of the game’s brightest stars, Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka. Both players experienced pivotal moments, but as they head into the 2025 season, the race for the coveted No. 1 spot is heating up, with contrasting opinions from tennis experts about who will ultimately claim the top ranking.
Rybakina’s Challenging 2024
Elena Rybakina entered 2024 with great promise, winning three WTA 500 titles and making deep runs at major events like the Qatar Open and the Miami Open, where she finished as a runner-up. Her chances at a second Wimbledon title were looking strong after Aryna Sabalenka withdrew from the tournament, but Rybakina’s journey was halted by a surprising loss to Barbora Krejcikova in the semifinals.
However, Rybakina’s season took a drastic turn after Wimbledon. Missing out on the Olympics due to illness, she felt compelled to apologize to her home fans in Kazakhstan, who had been fervently supporting her. She then shocked the tennis world by parting ways with her longtime coach Stefano Vukov just days before the US Open. Rybakina, who had enjoyed significant success with Vukov, did not publicly explain the split, but it followed criticism of the coach’s allegedly aggressive behavior during matches. This decision, combined with Rybakina’s unexpected withdrawal from the US Open and subsequent two-month absence from the tour, made for a turbulent year.
In preparation for 2025, Rybakina has teamed up with new coach Goran Ivanisevic, but her fans were angered when they saw Vukov in the stands at the World Tennis League, fueling further controversy.
Sabalenka’s Stellar Year
On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka had the best season of her career in 2024. She captured her first two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open, establishing herself as one of the sport’s most dominant forces. Sabalenka also ascended to the world No. 1 ranking, overtaking Iga Swiatek as the season ended. Her fierce rivalry with Swiatek, highlighted by their unforgettable Madrid Open final, showcased her resilience and competitive spirit.
Experts Weigh In: Corretja vs. Wilander
As attention shifts to the 2025 season, former ATP player Alex Corretja and tennis legend Mats Wilander shared their predictions on who could finish the year as world No. 1. Corretja expressed confidence that Rybakina, despite her turbulent 2024, could ultimately overtake Sabalenka to claim the top spot. “She has the game to do it,” Corretja said, citing Rybakina’s powerful shots and mental fortitude.
In contrast, Wilander was less optimistic about Rybakina’s chances. He emphasized Sabalenka’s consistency and ability to handle pressure, factors that make her a more likely candidate to retain her No. 1 ranking. “Sabalenka has shown she can maintain high-level performances throughout the year,” Wilander argued.
The Road Ahead
With both Rybakina and Sabalenka at the peak of their powers, the battle for the world No. 1 ranking is bound to be one of the most exciting storylines in 2025. While Corretja sees Rybakina’s potential to rise to the top, Wilander believes Sabalenka’s consistency will keep her there. Fans will eagerly watch how both players navigate the challenges of the new season, making this an intriguing rivalry for years to come.
