Iga Swiatek has spent the past two seasons behind Aryna Sabalenka as the world number two in the WTA Tour rankings.
Swiatek had an inconsistent season this term, which peaked with her incredible maiden victory at Wimbledon.
The Pole also won the Cincinnati Open and the Korea Open, but it wasn’t enough to dislodge Sabalenka in the top spot.
Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci has explained exactly when he believes she will return to the top spot.
Rick Macci makes a prediction about Iga Swiatek becoming world number one
Swiatek might well have not been world number one for two years, but Macci doesn’t think it will be long until the Pole returns to the top spot.
On X, the iconic former coach of Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Andy Roddick suggested it could be in a matter of months.
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He said: “The Polish Punisher will hit number one on the planet because her mind will be even stronger granite.
“By the end of May if not faster she will be at the top ripping and for others a disaster. Number one is down the street because the Punisher has the mind and the feet.”
Swiatek would likely need to win the Australian Open in order to usurp Sabalenka in the rankings as early as May.
What has Iga Swiatek said about returning to world number one
Sabalenka has been in imperious form as the world number one, collecting several Grand Slams to tighten her grip on the top spot.
As a result of this, the Pole claimed the world number one spot is not on her mind during the American hardcourt swing.
After winning the Cincinnati Open, she said: “I don’t think about it, because I know Aryna is having a great season too, so I know it will just depend on how I play.”
Sabalenka reached the finals of the WTA Finals in her last tournament, while Swiatek failed to qualify from the group stage.
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