Aryna Sabalenka is the number 1 tennis player of the year. It is in this place that the Belarusian will definitely finish 2024 in the WTA ranking. With 9416 points, the semi-finalist of the recent Masters can no longer be reached by the Polish Iga Swiatek (8370) and even less by the American Coco Gauff (6530) who won the Masters on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
Diane Parry just ahead of Caroline Garcia
The big winner of the new ranking published on November 11th is the Chinese Zheng Qinwen, who thanks to her finalist position at the Masters, goes from seventh to fifth place in the world, the highest ranking of her career. Barbora Krejcikova is the other player to benefit from this ranking: the former world number 2, who dropped to 13th place before the Masters for which she had qualified thanks to the Slam title won during the year, at Wimbledon, returns to the Top 10, in tenth place.
And the French? You have to get a miner’s lamp to find your place in the depths of the WTA rankings. The new French number 1 is called Diane Parry and is number 50 in the rankings. She is one position ahead of Caroline Garcia. The former world number 4 dropped out of the Top 50 and dropped to 51st place. In the Top 100 there are only two other Italians, Varvara Gracheva who is number 66 and Clara Burel 74th in the world. Océane Dodin is 104th.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special edition of Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned sports analyst, Dr. Jane Roberts, who specializes in tennis performance and athlete psychology. Jane, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Jane Roberts: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the fascinating world of tennis.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right into it. Aryna Sabalenka has been declared the number one tennis player of the year. What do you think has contributed to her remarkable success?
Dr. Jane Roberts: Sabalenka’s rise to the top can be attributed to a combination of talent, hard work, and mental resilience. Her aggressive playing style, characterized by powerful serves and forehands, has made her a formidable opponent. Additionally, she’s shown significant improvements in her strategic gameplay and mental approach, allowing her to perform consistently well under pressure.
Time.news Editor: That’s interesting! Mental resilience is often understated in sports. How important is it for athletes like Sabalenka to manage their mental state during high-stakes matches?
Dr. Jane Roberts: It’s incredibly important. Tennis is as much a mental game as it is physical. Athletes like Sabalenka need to cultivate focus and composure, especially in critical moments of a match. The ability to stay calm and confident, despite the pressure of expectations, often separates the good players from the great ones. Sabalenka has shown remarkable growth in this area, which has significantly contributed to her current ranking.
Time.news Editor: In what ways have you seen her game evolve over the past couple of years?
Dr. Jane Roberts: Sabalenka’s game has evolved in several key areas. She’s become better at constructing points and using a variety of shots to create openings. Her defensive skills have improved as well, enabling her to turn challenging situations to her advantage. Furthermore, her experience in high-pressure situations has helped her learn how to close out matches more effectively.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of high-pressure situations, the pressure that comes with being ranked number one can be immense. How do you think she’ll handle the expectations that come with this achievement going forward?
Dr. Jane Roberts: That’s a critical question. The transition to being the top-ranked player can be daunting. It’s essential for her to maintain a strong support system, lean on her coaching team, and stay focused on her personal goals rather than external expectations. Engaging in mindfulness practices and maintaining a balanced life outside of tennis can also help her manage the pressure.
Time.news Editor: Great insights, Jane! As fans and analysts, what should we watch for in Sabalenka’s matches this upcoming season?
Dr. Jane Roberts: Fans should look for how she maintains her aggressive playing style while adapting to her opponents. It will be interesting to see if she introduces new strategies or untested shots into her game, especially during crucial matches against her rivals. Also, keep an eye on her mental game—how she navigates adversity will be key to her ability to defend her number one ranking.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for your expertise, Dr. Roberts. Aryna Sabalenka’s journey is certainly one to follow, and her story is an inspiring one for many young athletes.
Dr. Jane Roberts: Absolutely! Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how she continues to evolve as a player in the future.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in! We’ll be keeping a close watch on Aryna Sabalenka and her remarkable career in the upcoming season. Stay with us for more updates and expert insights!
