Over the past couple of years a curious divide has opened up on the women’s tour. The rankings, on one hand, do not lie. Iga Swiatek, the world No 1, has been the best player across all events the past 52 weeks, rightfully earning her place at the summit by consistently sweeping up big titles across hardcourts and clay in addition to her half-decade dominance at Roland Garros.
But at the grand slams, the ones that matter most, there is a slightly different order these days. Aryna Sabalenka, the world No 2, has now reached the final of the past four hardcourt majors and she has made her presence felt at the semi-final stage or better in seven of the past eight she has competed in. It is just as clear she is the best in the world at the grand slam tournaments and on Saturday she will attempt to capture her third such title in two years.
