WTA Ranking: Sabalenka solidifies as number 1 and Gauff bumps Swiatek out of the top-3

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 28 Mar 2026 | 23.19

Aryna Sabalenka, WTA ranking after Miami Open 2026. Photo: gettyimages

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The consequences of what happened at the 2026 Miami Open are evident in the WTA ranking, which is filled with significant changes in the top positions and with Aryna Sabalenka as the main protagonist. The Belarusian holds a substantial lead as the world number 1, but there are many other noteworthy movements in the rankings that are worth reviewing.

With many points up for grabs and clear conclusions, this is what emerges from the 2026 Miami Open. Here, Aryna Sabalenka has confirmed her status as the best player on the planet, both in terms of her playing performance and with a substantial lead in the WTA ranking. Her advantage over Elena Rybakina is quite significant, while also witnessing Iga Swiatek dropping in the rankings. It is advisable to take a calm look at all the changes in the entire ranking.

These are the main changes in the WTA ranking after the 2026 Miami Open

We should always start at the beginning. Sabalenka reigns supreme in women's tennis, as evidenced by her 2,917-point lead over Rybakina, who sits second on the official list. The Kazakh has managed to solidify her position, but Cori Gauff has narrowed the gap slightly, also causing Iga Swiatek to drop out of the top-3, marking an unprecedented situation for the Polish player in recent years, requiring a reaction.

Elina Svitolina gains a spot in the top 10, now seventh at the expense of Jasmine Paolini, while Karolina Muchova is knocking on the door of this exclusive club, trailing Mirra Andreeva, the tenth-ranked player, by just over 120 points. A special mention goes to Iva Jovic, who at only 18 years old, is now 16th in the world, marking her career-best ranking. Outside the top 20, improvements are seen for Marie Bouzkova (from 32nd to 27th), Sorana Cirstea (from 35th to 29th), and Hailey Baptiste (from 45th to 33rd), achieving new personal bests.

The most affected by this tournament is the Filipina Alexandra Eala, losing 16 positions for failing to defend her semifinalist position, now ranked at 45 globally. Paula Badosa also faces a tough situation, dropping 13 spots to fall out of the top 100 again. The Spanish player will seek to overcome her physical issues to compete consistently and rise above the rankings that do not reflect her true level.