New Delhi

Poland’s Iga Swiatek has once again topped the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, matching Belgian legend Justine Henin’s record of 117 weeks at No. 1. This achievement ties Swiatek for eighth place in the all-time rankings since their inception in 1975. If she remains at the top for another month, she could catch Ashleigh Barty, who is in seventh place with 121 weeks.

Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, reached No. 1 at just 19 in April 2022 and has now equaled Henin’s record of four French Open titles. Recently, she won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, defeating Slovakia’s Anna Karolina in straight sets.

Henin first became the top-ranked player in October 2003, at 21, after winning the French Open and US Open. She held the No. 1 spot for 117 weeks, retiring for the first time in May 2008 and then permanently in 2011.

Aryna Sabalenka, who had to withdraw from Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury, slipped to No. 3 but reclaimed the No. 2 spot after winning the Cincinnati Open. Jessica Pegula remains at No. 6, struggling with form after a health issue but recently winning in Toronto and reaching the Cincinnati Open final. Paula Badosa, recovering from a back injury, climbed to No. 27 after a strong performance in Cincinnati. She will head into the US Open, starting August 26, having won 20 of her last 26 matches.