WTA Rankings After Dubai: Sabalenka Leads, Świątek Extends Advantage Over Rybakina

The latest update of the world WTA rankings confirmed the dominance of Aryna Sabalenka, who with 10,675 points remains the undisputed leader. Poland's Iga Świątek, with 7,588 points, retained her position as runner-up. The key change is the increase in her lead over the third-ranked player, Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, to 335 points. This is the result of Rybakina's weaker performance in the recently concluded Dubai tournament compared to last year. The women's tennis ranking system has undergone significant reforms in recent decades. In 1975, the WTA introduced a computer ranking based on point earnings from the last 52 weeks. In 2021, in response to inequalities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a modified system was temporarily implemented, allowing players to retain points from selected tournaments for two years instead of one. The background for the current calendar disputes is the continuous increase in the number of mandatory tournaments and the pressure to enhance spectacle, which often conflicts with protecting players' health. Last week's results provide an incomplete picture, as the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai took place without two of the biggest stars in world tennis. Both Sabalenka and Świątek withdrew from the event, which – according to press reports – was an expression of their frustration with the season's overloaded schedule. The players, including the Polish leader and her Belarusian rival, are reportedly expressing a shared opposition to "unreasonable rules." „"To jest nierealne"” — Sport Facts – this was said to be a joint comment from the players regarding the current requirements. The withdrawal decisions, while strategic, carry consequences. The WTA organization, when determining ranking points for the tournament, had to account for the absence of key figures, which likely translated into lower revenue and media interest for the event. prawda: The current WTA ranking as of February 23, 2026 confirms the positions of Sabalenka, Świątek, and Rybakina and the increased lead of the Polish player over the Kazakhstani player. (WTA Rankings, official statements) There were no significant reshuffles in the top ten of the rankings beyond minimal exchanges in lower positions. The main movements occurred among players participating in the Dubai tournament, which was likely won by another player (her name is not provided in the available excerpts). However, the calm at the very top is deceptive. Articles suggest that decisions made by the WTA in connection with the mass withdrawals – described as a "night-time decision" and potential "penalties" – could weigh on future starts. The key question remains whether pressure from top players will lead to lasting changes in the calendar and mandatory participation rules, which have been the subject of heated debate in the tennis community for years.