The world of women’s tennis is buzzing with anticipation as the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing kicks off this week, boasting a staggering prize pool of $8,963,700. With the season entering its decisive stretch, nearly all of the sport’s elite are descending on China’s capital—except for Aryna Sabalenka, the current world number one, who’s skipping the event. That absence opens the door for a dramatic shake-up in the rankings and adds extra intrigue to an already high-stakes competition.
For Iga Świątek, the timing couldn’t be better. The Polish star is coming off a triumphant run at the WTA tournament in Seoul, where she captured the title and pocketed 500 crucial ranking points. That win has not only solidified her hold on the number two spot in the world but also closed the gap to Sabalenka atop the WTA rankings. As of September 22, 2025, Świątek trails Sabalenka by just 2,792 points—a margin that could shrink even further if she shines in Beijing.
“After my victory in Seoul, I feel more confident going into Beijing,” Świątek said, reflecting on her recent success. “Every match is a new challenge, but I’m ready to fight for every point.” According to the latest rankings, Świątek now boasts 8,433 points, while Sabalenka sits at 11,225. Coco Gauff remains in third with 7,873, but Świątek has increased her lead over the American to a solid 560 points.
The top ten in the WTA Tour rankings as of September 22, 2025, reads like a who’s who of modern tennis: Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Mirra Andrijewa, Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini, Zheng Qinwen, and Jelena Rybakina. Each brings their own style and story, but the spotlight this week is firmly on those chasing Sabalenka and the precious points up for grabs in Beijing.
For the winner of the Beijing tournament, the rewards are immense—a champion’s purse of $1,124,380 and a potential leap up the rankings. With Sabalenka absent, the path is wide open for Świątek or any of her closest rivals to make a significant move. The stakes are especially high in the context of the “Race to the WTA Finals,” which determines the eight players who will compete in the prestigious season-ending tournament in Riyadh.
That race, as of this week, sees Sabalenka still in the lead with 9,610 points, but Świątek is hot on her heels with 8,033. The next closest competitor is Coco Gauff, who trails with 5,184 points. Amanda Anisimova (4,908), Madison Keys (4,450), Jessica Pegula (4,209), Mirra Andrijewa (4,189), and Jelena Rybakina (3,751) round out the current top eight. Both Sabalenka and Świątek have already secured their spots in Riyadh, a testament to their dominance throughout the season.
“It’s been a fantastic year so far,” Świątek remarked after her Seoul victory. “Qualifying early for the WTA Finals in Riyadh gives me extra motivation to push even harder in these last tournaments.” Her drive is palpable, and with the world watching, she’s poised to capitalize on every opportunity Beijing presents.
Polish tennis fans have even more to cheer about, as Magda Linette and Magdalena Fręch continue their steady climbs in the rankings. Linette, despite a minor dip, holds 38th place with 1,404 points, while Fręch has advanced to 46th with 1,256. Both remain fixtures on the world stage, and their progress is a source of pride back home. In the Race to the WTA Finals, Linette is 43rd with 1,089 points, and Fręch sits at 58th with 923—respectable positions that reflect their perseverance and skill.
“I’m proud of the way I’ve competed this season,” Linette shared after learning of her latest ranking. “There have been ups and downs, but every tournament is a chance to improve.” Fręch echoed that sentiment, adding, “Moving up even one spot is a big deal at this level. I’m excited to keep building on this momentum.”
The broader context of the WTA rankings adds another layer of intrigue. Sabalenka has now led the rankings for 57 consecutive weeks since September 11, 2023, placing her 13th on the all-time list for weeks at number one. Świątek, meanwhile, has her own impressive history—she first claimed the top spot on April 4, 2022, taking over from Ashleigh Barty, and has held the lead for a total of 125 weeks, including an uninterrupted 75-week stretch. It’s a testament to her consistency and resilience in an ever-changing field.
The WTA rankings themselves have been compiled since 1975, with legends like Steffi Graf setting the bar sky-high—Graf’s record of 377 weeks at number one remains unmatched. Still, the current crop of stars, led by Sabalenka and Świątek, are carving out their own legacies, week by week, point by point.
Looking ahead, the Beijing tournament promises fireworks. With so much on the line and the top contenders (minus Sabalenka) all vying for glory, fans can expect high drama and perhaps a few surprises. Will Świątek capitalize on Sabalenka’s absence and inch closer to reclaiming the number one ranking? Or will another rival emerge from the pack to seize the moment?
One thing’s for sure: the road to the WTA Finals in Riyadh is heating up. Every match in Beijing carries extra weight, and the results could reshape the season’s narrative. As the action unfolds, tennis enthusiasts around the world will be glued to their screens, eager to see who rises, who stumbles, and who claims the coveted winner’s check.
For now, the world waits as Beijing becomes the center of the tennis universe. With history, rankings, and reputations on the line, the coming days are set to deliver all the drama, excitement, and athletic brilliance fans have come to expect from the WTA’s best.
