This week three players have a chance of finishing the Wuhan Open as the world No.1, but their main focus remains on winning matches and not rising to the top.
Garbine Muguruza is the current leader in the WTA rankings. Hot on her tail are Karolina Pliskova and Simona Halep. Either player could dethrone Muguruza from world No.1 depending on the outcome of results in China this week. Pliskova has already spent eight weeks in the top spot, but Halep is yet to reach that position.
“I don’t want to chase the position. I’ve been there and to be honest, it’s just a ranking, it’s not a title,” Pliskova told reporters in China. “If it happens, I’m going to be happy but if it doesn’t, I’m okay as well.”
This year has been a case of so near, but so far for Halep. On multiple occasions she had been a match win away from claiming the world No.1 position, but fell at the final hurdle. The most notable time was at the French Open when she lost in the final to unseeded Jelena Ostapenko. With so many close calls, it is understandable as to why the Romanian is no longer fixated on achieving the milestone.
“I was thinking about this many times, but now it’s over in my eyes. I’m just coming to the tournament as per normal, with the normal amount of pressure.” Explained Halep.
“And if I get to No. 1, I will. But I have to give my best every day and play to enjoy the moment.”
Whilst appearing to keep calm about the situation, Halep later stated in the same press conference that her year-end goal is to rise to No.1. Indicating that it means much to hear that she is willing to let on.
“The No. 1 thing, because I am close. These tournaments are good tournaments, they’re big tournaments.” She stated.
“Maybe I can do better here but you never know.”
As for Pliskova, her target is the end-of-year showdown in Singapore where the eight best players on the WTA Tour will fight it out.
“My goal, for now, is to get to Singapore. I think I’m pretty close. It’s not official yet. I still have to play some good matches here.” The Czech player said.
Both players will start their Wuhan campaigns on Tuesday. Pliskova takes on Zhang Shuai and Halep faces Daria Kasatkina.
What do they have to do to get to No.1?
For both players a series of results needs to occur in their favour to become world No.1. Pliskova needs to win the title and for Muguruza to lose before the semifinals to claim the position. Meanwhile, Halep has to reach the final, hope Muguruza loses before the quarter-finals and Pliskova doesn’t win the title.
