3. Iga Swiatek
2025 Finish: No. 2
Swiatek won’t have any titles to defend until just after the French Open, and I see that allowing the Pole to gain some more ranking points early in 2026. It’s all about the patterns and momentum for the Pole; she can quickly lose her footing and consistency on a bad day. I see Swiatek regaining her French Open crown this season.
2. Amanda Anisimova
2025 Finish: No. 3
Swiatek won’t finish higher than No. 3, in my opinion, because I see Anisimova having a big year and keeping the Pole at bay. Anisimova has a strong backhand, and her rising confidence will help her regularly go deep in tournaments. Defending the Wimbledon and US Open finalist points may be tough, but I can see the American winning the US Open.
1. Aryna Sabalenka
2025 Finish: No. 1
No player was more consistent than Sabalenka in the big tournaments, and that’s why I have the 2025 year-end No. 1 as the 2026 year-end top player. Sabalenka will look to win her fifth Grand Slam in 2026, and I can see her winning Wimbledon, a tournament where she’s struggled to get over the finish line.
Main Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
