Tennis Players With Most Points Achieved in WTA Rankings

We all are aware that Tennis has seen various icons over the years, each bringing something unique to the sport. From the Open Era’s pioneering stars like Billie Jean King, Margaret Court, and Evonne Goolagong Cawley, to the legendary matches of Steffi Graf, Chris Evert, and Martina Navratilova, each generation has seen its own greats. In the 90s, players like Monica Seles arose as top contenders, while the 21st century witnessed the dominance of Serena and Venus Williams alongside Maria Sharapova. Presently, the top ranks feature Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, setting the stage for a new era of excellence.

Let’s get into the history of players with the most points achieved in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings and explore how these stars reached the top:

5. Dinara Safina - 10,521 Points

Dinara Safina, former World No. 1, is one of three players in history to reach the top spot without winning a singles Grand Slam. The other two are Jelena Jankovic and Karolina Pliskova. Safina, known for her resilience and precision, was a runner-up twice at the Australian Open and once at the French Open.

In 2009, Safina reached her career-high 10,521 points in the WTA rankings. Her impressive year included wins at the Madrid Open and Rome Masters, as well as finals appearances at both the Australian Open and French Open. She also reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon that year, further boosting her points and securing her place in the history of tennis.

4. Maria Sharapova - 10,690 Points

Maria Sharapova became a household name after her surprise win at Wimbledon in 2004, where she defeated Serena Williams in the final. A former World No. 1 from Russia, Sharapova went on to win five Grand Slam titles, including two French Open trophies (in 2012 and 2014).

Sharapova reached her pinnacle WTA ranking points in 2013, ending with a total of 10,690 points. That year, she asserted titles at the Indian Wells Masters and Stuttgart Open and was a finalist at the Miami Open and Madrid Open. Her powerful baseline game and unparalleled grit made her one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.

3. Victoria Azarenka - 10,955 Points

Belarusian star Victoria Azarenka reached her highest ranking total of 10,955 points in October 2012. A former World No. 1, Azarenka’s 2012 season was marked by success at the Australian Open, Sydney International, Qatar Open, Indian Wells Open, and China Open. She also reached the finals at the US Open and the WTA Finals that year.

Known for her determination and aggressive playing style, Azarenka spent 51 weeks as the world’s top-ranked player. Her two Australian Open titles, in 2012 and 2013, and her three runner-up finishes at the US Open (in 2012, 2013, and 2020) further represented her ability to compete against the best.

2. Iga Swiatek - 11,695 Points

Iga Swiatek, one of the sport’s youngest stars, has already made her mark by spending 121 weeks as World No. 1 by the age of 23. The Polish sensation crossed the 11,000-point mark in 2024, a substantial milestone only a few players have reached before her.

In the first half of 2024, Swiatek dominated the women’s circuit with triumphs at the Qatar Open, Indian Wells Masters, Madrid Open, and Rome Masters, and successfully defended her French Open title at Stade Roland Garros. On May 20, 2024, she achieved her career-high total of 11,695 ranking points, showcasing her enthralling talent and relentless drive.

1. Serena Williams - 13,615 Points

Serena Williams, often considered the greatest female tennis player, tops this list with an astounding 13,615 points, the only player to cross the 13,000-point mark. Her athleticism, power, and mental strength set her apart from her peers, allowing her to win 23 singles, 14 doubles, and two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles, along with four Olympic gold medals.

In 2012, Serena won Wimbledon, the US Open, the WTA Finals, the Canadian Open, and the Shanghai Masters. The following year, she triumphed at the Miami Open, Madrid Open, Italian Open, Brisbane International, and Charleston Open, and defeated Sharapova at the French Open. On June 10, 2013, she reached her peak of 13,615 points, a record that remains unmatched in the WTA rankings.

Conclusion

These players have not only set incredible records but also inspired millions around the world. Their dedication and skill have left a long lasting impact on the sport, and their achievements in the WTA rankings reflect their hard work and determination. From Dinara Safina’s rise to Serena Williams’s unrivaled dominance, each player on this list has contributed to tennis history in a remarkable way. Iga Swiatek’s inclusion in this elite group indicates a bright future for women’s tennis, as new stars continue to push the boundaries of the game.

Cover Credits - Tennis.com