Rick Macci, the legendary coach who helped launch the careers of Serena Williams and Venus Williams, is predicting that Iga Swiatek is poised to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka early in 2026.
Known for his keen eye for talent and mental toughness, Macci believes Iga Swiatek‘s combination of skill and mindset could soon put her back at the top of women’s tennis.
In a post last week on X, Macci declared: “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.”
That bullish prognosis comes as Swiatek heads into the new season ranked No. 2, trailing Aryna Sabalenka by 2,475 points in the year-end standings.
Why Macci thinks Swiatek’s time is coming
Swiatek closed out 2025 with a Wimbledon title, not an easy feat given her win-loss record and the deep field that again featured Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and others.
Another advantage: compared with Sabalenka, Swiatek has fewer ranking points to defend during the early 2026 swing. That gives her a clear path upward if she delivers.
Moreover, Swiatek‘s joining the elite group of women to finish four straight years in the top 2 spot underscores her consistent excellence.
Sabalenka ends 2025 as world No. 1 with 10,870 points, while Swiatek is second at 8,395. The gap is large, but not insurmountable.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, enjoyed a strong season: four titles (including the US Open), nine finals, and a tour-leading 63 match wins in 2025.
Still, Macci and many observers believe Swiatek‘s blend of clay-court heritage, recent Grand Slam success, and renewed mental fortitude could carve out a return to No. 1.
What Swiatek must do to turn expectation into reality
Several factors suggest Swiatek could mount a credible challenge for the No. 1 ranking in 2026. Her versatility across surfaces was highlighted by her Wimbledon triumph, proving she can excel on grass in addition to clay.
She also enters the new season with fewer ranking points to defend than Sabalenka, meaning strong performances at key tournaments could quickly boost her position.
Swiatek‘s own acknowledgment that she needed more energy and focus suggests a mental reset that could be pivotal for her results.
Finally, her motivation and hunger are evident: reclaiming her clay dominance while also capturing a historic Wimbledon title gives her momentum and confidence heading into 2026.
If Swiatek stays healthy and capitalizes on a favorable early-season schedule, the ranking math works in her favor. Sabalenka has considerable points to defend, and Swiatek has room to rise.
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