POLAND’S Iga Swiatek was confirmed as the new WTA no. 1 in the rankings released today, replacing the retired Ashleigh Barty.

The 20-year-old celebrated her new status in style yesterday, winning the Miami Open with a straight-sets victory over four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

Swiatek’s victory made her only the fourth women’s player in history to win the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments back-to-back.

The former French Open champion already holds a substantial lead over second-ranked Czech Barbora Krejcikova.

Miami runner-up Osaka jumped up 42 places to move into 35th in the rankings. The Japanese star will be hoping to secure seedings for the remaining three majors of the year.

WTA top 20:

1. Iga Swiatek (POL) 6,711 points (+1)

2. Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) 4,975 (+2)

3. Paula Badosa (ESP) 4,970 (+3)

4. Maria Sakkari (GRE) 4,705 (-1)

5. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 4,657

6. Anett Kontaveit (EST) 4,511 (+1)

7. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 4,197 (+1)

8. Danielle Collins (US) 3,151 (+3)

9. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 3,070

10. Ons Jabeur (TUN) 2,975

11. Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 2,805 (+1)

12. Emma Raducanu (GBR) 2,706 (+1)

13. Jessica Pegula (US) 2,485 (+8)

14. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 2,473

15. Coco Gauff (US) 2,345 (+2)

16. Angelique Kerber (GER) 2,297 (-1)

17. Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 2,281 (-1)

18. Elena Rybakina (KAZ) 2,261

19. Leylah Fernandez (CAN) 2,156 (+3)

20. Simona Halep (ROM) 2,156 (-1). – AFP, April 4, 2022.