Aryna Sabalenka is back in action this week at the Italian Open in Rome, where the world number one is the top seed.
Having earned a bye into the second round of the WTA 1000 tournament, she will play the winner of Barbora Krejcikova versus Elsa Jacquemot in her opening match.
Sabalenka enters the event on the back of a shock defeat to Hailey Baptiste, who won their Madrid Open quarterfinal 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(8-6).
But the Belarusian now has an immediate chance to bounce back at another WTA 1000 event, ahead of which she has just hit a major rankings milestone.
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Aryna Sabalenka surpasses Martina Hingis in longest WTA number one streaks
Sabalenka remains world number one following the Madrid Open, and she is now set to spend her 81st and 82nd successive weeks in that position during the Italian Open.
The figures place her in 10th spot for the longest streak at number one since the WTA rankings began in 1975.
And it means she has surpassed legendary figure Martina Hingis, who achieved 80 weeks from 1997 to 1998.
Next in the sights of Sabalenka is the 87 weeks of Steffi Graf from 1993 to 1995, with the German legend also joint-top of the all-time list with Serena Williams.
She spent 186 weeks at the summit from 1987 to 1991, with Williams achieving the same feat from 2013 to 2016.
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Aryna Sabalenka handed tricky Italian Open draw
It’s been a stunning run from the Belarusian superstar, who can rest in the knowledge that her world number one ranking is safe in Rome.
The situation could, however, change at the French Open, with Elena Rybakina currently hot on the heels of Sabalenka.
But both players are now fully focused on the Italian Open, which could produce another Sabalenka versus Rybakina final.
Before that, however, the former must make it through a tricky section in Rome, with Sorana Cirstea and Magda Linette among her possible round three opponents.
After that Sabalenka could meet Linda Noskova or Clara Tauson in round four, with Amanda Anisimova, Belinda Bencic and Qinwen Zheng representing potential quarterfinal ties.
The world number one could then meet Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva or Jasmine Paolini in the semifinals, followed by a possible final clash against Rybakina, Iga Swiatek or Jessica Pegula.
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