The battle for the WTA Tour year-end world No 1 title was a fierce one, with Aryna Sabalenka emerging as the clear winner. However, the alternative tennis rankings tell a different story, suggesting that the US Open champion has a significant challenger heading into 2025.

The Impact of Recent Form

Sabalenka's dominance throughout the WTA Tour season was evident, with her wins at the Australian Open and US Open backed up by strong performances. But her absence from the lucrative end-of-season tournament in Saudi Arabia allowed Coco Gauff to make a statement. Gauff's victory over Sabalenka in the semi-finals of the Riyadh event showcased her growing prowess.In the final, Zheng Qinwen emerged as a standout performer. She reached the final of the Australian Open in January and the quarter-finals at the US Open, while also reaching the semi-finals of the China Open and the final of the Wuhan Open. Her consistent performances have earned her a top spot in the alternative UTR Rating.The UTR Rating, endorsed by 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, uses an algorithm that focuses on recent form rather than the year-round calculation of the ATP Ranking. Victories against higher-ranked players hold more weight in the UTR list, providing a more accurate reflection of a player's current form.All players are rated on the same scale between 1.00 and 16.50 based on actual match results, making it accessible to players of all levels. This system promotes fair and competitive play across the tennis world.

Zheng Qinwen's Rise

Zheng's high ranking on the UTR list can be attributed to her recent form. Her win against Sabalenka and her victory at the WTA Finals propelled her to the top. She claimed $5,559,555 in prize money in 2024 and finished the year as world No 5. Her performances have been consistent and impressive, making her a force to be reckoned with.

Coco Gauff's Climb

Coco Gauff's win against Sabalenka in the Riyadh semi-finals was a significant moment. It catapulted her up the UTR rankings to No 2. Her ability to perform well against top players has earned her a prominent position. Gauff's rise is a testament to her talent and determination.

Other Notable Rankings

Iga Swiatek is at No 3 in the UTR ranking, followed by Sabalenka at No 4 and Elena Rybakina. A resurgent Paula Badosa is at No 6, with Karolina Muchova at No 7, Emma Navarro at No 8, Jessica Pegula in ninth place and Mirra Andreeva in 10th.This list also highlights the potential of Britain's Emma Raducanu. After a solid comeback year, she deserves to be ranked higher than her current position of 58th in the WTA Rankings. Her good form in the Billie Jean King Cup, where she won all three singles matches, shows her potential. She is positioned at No 25 in the UTR Ratings, just behind her fellow Brit Katie Boulter.The UTR ratings always generate a lot of debate, and Sabalenka's lowly position in the current list is as much a talking point as Zheng's rise to No 1. It shows the importance of recent form in determining a player's standing in the tennis world.