Three-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka started her 12th consecutive week at the top of the rankings on Monday to move to 20 weeks in total, putting her joint-20th with Belgian great Clijsters.

She is assured of remaining top for at least another two weeks and next week she will move level with Tracy Austin and Maria Sharapova on 21 weeks in 18th place before edging ahead of them a week later. Naomi Osaka in 17th place on 25 weeks will be her target after that.

Sabalenka strengthened her lead over Swiatek after she won the Brisbane International – her 18th career title – while her Polish rival lost in the final of the United Cup.

The Belarusian is now 1,536 points ahead, but that is not enough to ensure she remains at No 1 after the Australian Open as she will defend 2,000 points while Swiatek will drop only 130 points