Seven Grand Slam Champions: The WTA’s 10,000-Point Barrier Club

In the fiercely competitive world of women’s tennis, achieving a high ranking is a testament to skill, consistency, and dedication. The WTA rankings, a merit-based system introduced in November 1975, reflects a player’s performance over the previous 52 weeks, with points awarded based on tournament level and how far a player advances. While many players have reached the World No. 1 ranking, only a select few have managed to accumulate 10,000 points or more. This article celebrates those exceptional athletes. As Aryna Sabalenka edges closer to the 10,000-point milestone, we look at the seven women who have already reached this elite level in the WTA rankings.

The WTA Ranking System: A Pathway to Greatness

The WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) rankings are a computerized system used to determine the rankings in women’s tennis since 1975. The ranking system operates on a rolling 52-week basis, where a player’s ranking is determined by the points earned from their best results in a maximum of 18 tournaments for singles. These tournaments include the four Grand Slams, six combined WTA 1000 tournaments (Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Rome, Toronto/Montreal, Cincinnati, Beijing), one non-combined WTA 1000 (Doha, Dubai, Wuhan), and the next best seven results from other WTA events. Points are awarded based on the level of the tournament and how far a player progresses in it. The WTA Finals can count as an additional 19th tournament for those who qualify. To appear in the WTA rankings, a player must earn points in at least three tournaments or earn a minimum of 10 ranking points in a single tournament.

Understanding Ranking Points

Ranking points are crucial for determining a player’s position and entry into tournaments. The more prestigious the tournament, the more points are awarded. Grand Slam tournaments offer the most points, followed by WTA 1000, WTA 500, WTA 250, WTA 125, and ITF tournaments. This system ensures that players who consistently perform well in major events are rewarded with higher rankings.

The Elite Seven: Members of the 10,000-Point Club

Only seven female tennis players have crossed the 10,000-point mark in the WTA rankings. These players represent some of the most dominant forces in women’s tennis history.

1. Serena Williams: The Undisputed Queen (13,615 points)

   Serena Williams stands head and shoulders above the rest, achieving a staggering 13,615 points on June 10, 2013. Her career is decorated with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, 14 doubles titles, and four Olympic gold medals. Williams’ dominance in 2012 and 2013 saw her win Wimbledon, the US Open, the WTA Finals, and numerous other titles, propelling her to the pinnacle of the rankings. Williams is the only female tennis player to cross the 13,000-point mark.

2. Iga Swiatek: The Polish Powerhouse (11,695 points)

   Iga Swiatek reached a mammoth total of 11,695 points on May 20, 2024. The Polish star has already spent 121 weeks as the WTA World No. 1 at 23 years of age. She won the Qatar Open, Indian Wells Masters, Madrid Open, and Rome Masters before defending her title at Roland Garros.

3. Victoria Azarenka: The Belarusian Champion (10,955 points)

   Victoria Azarenka reached 10,955 points in October 2012. She excelled at the Australian Open, Sydney International, Qatar Open, Indian Wells Masters and China Open to reach the pinnacle.

4. Dinara Safina: Reaching the Top Without a Slam (10,521 points)

   Dinara Safina, reached 10,521 points in July 2009. She is one of the few players to reach World No. 1 without winning a Grand Slam singles title. Safina’s success in 2009, including titles at the Madrid Open and Rome Masters, helped her reach this milestone.

5. Caroline Wozniacki: A Consistent Competitor (10,255 points)

   Caroline Wozniacki became the WTA World No. 1 in October 2010. She crossed the 10,000-point mark after seven months of holding the No. 1 spot. Wozniacki’s consistent performances and multiple titles propelled her into this elite group.

6. Ashleigh Barty: A Wimbledon Wonder (10,185 points)

   Ashleigh Barty crossed the 10,000-point mark on August 23, 2021, shortly after she won the Wimbledon Championships. She won the Miami Open, Cincinnati Open, Stuttgart Open and the Yarra Valley Classic at that time. Despite retiring early, Barty’s impact on the game and her incredible achievements remain unforgettable.

7. Maria Sharapova

   Maria Sharapova achieved this milestone in 2012 and 2013, joining the other elite players on this list.

How the WTA Rankings are Calculated

The WTA rankings are based on a 52-week rolling system. Here’s a breakdown of how they are calculated:

1. Tournaments Counted: A player’s ranking is determined by her results in a maximum of 18 tournaments for singles and 12 for doubles.
2. Points Distribution: Points are awarded based on the tournament category and the player’s performance (how far they advance).
3. Mandatory Tournaments: For singles, the ranking must include results from the four Grand Slams, the six WTA 1000 mandatory combined tournaments, and one WTA 1000 mandatory (WTA-only) tournament.
4. Best Results: The remaining spots are filled with the player’s next best results from WTA 1000, WTA 500, WTA 250, WTA 125, and ITF tournaments.
5. WTA Finals: Points earned at the WTA Finals count as an additional 19th tournament.

Tie-Breaking Procedures

When two or more players have the same number of ranking points, the WTA uses a tie-breaking procedure:

1. The player with the most combined points from Grand Slams, WTA 1000 Mandatory Tournaments, and the WTA Finals.
2. The player with the most total points from all WTA Tournaments (including the WTA Finals) and Grand Slams.
3. The player with the fewest number of Tournaments in a 52-week period.
4. The highest number of points from one Tournament, then the second highest, and so on.

Aryna Sabalenka: On the Verge of History

Aryna Sabalenka is currently ranked as the world No. 1 in women’s singles by the WTA. As of March 16, 2025, Sabalenka holds 9,606 points. With her strong performances, including three Grand Slam titles at the 2023 Australian Open, 2024 Australian Open, and 2024 US Open, she is well-positioned to join the ranks of the elite seven who have surpassed the 10,000-point mark.

Current Top 8 WTA Rankings (March 16, 2025)

1. Aryna Sabalenka (9,606)
2. Iga Swiatek (7,375)
3. Coco Gauff (6,063)
4. Jessica Pegula (5,361)
5. Madison Keys (5,004)
6. Mirra Andreeva (4,710)
7. Jasmine Paolini (4,518)
8. Elena Rybakina (4,448)

Conclusion: Celebrating Excellence

Reaching 10,000 points in the WTA rankings is an extraordinary achievement that signifies a player’s sustained excellence and dominance in the sport. Serena Williams, Iga Swiatek, Victoria Azarenka, Dinara Safina, Caroline Wozniacki, Ashleigh Barty, and Maria Sharapova have all etched their names in tennis history by reaching this milestone. As Aryna Sabalenka closes in on this achievement, the tennis world eagerly awaits the next chapter in her already impressive career. These players inspire future generations and continue to elevate women’s tennis to new heights.