By contrast, since assuming the top ranking as a result of Barty’s retirement, Swiatek has spent most of her time consolidating her claim on the No. 1 spot. She has gone 64-8 on the season, including 8-1 in finals during a stretch that has also seen her lift two Grand Slam trophies at Roland Garros and US Open.
With 29 weeks in a row on top, Swiatek’s steady reign has already eclipsed the likes of Naomi Osaka (24), Maria Sharapova (21) and Dinara Safina (26).
But can the top-ranked Pole continue to dominate the WTA Tour—and fight off new challengers—in years to come? Navratilova, who herself spent 332 weeks at world No. 1, including 156 consecutive weeks, says the jury is still out.
“That’s way too soon to tell because, I think there’s so much that can still happen,” Navratilova said. “Looking at the rankings, she has over twice as many points than anybody else. So it’s a massive gap.
“Caroline Garcia is kind of nipping at their heels [in the Race] too… Coco Gauff is on her way.
“But Iga has been the most consistent, as well as winning. Not just consistent, but consistently winning titles.”