Even if Aryna Sabalenka had to lose the final in 's-Hertogenbosch against the Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova in two sets, the net 179 points earned in the Netherlands bring the Belarusian up one place in the WTA ranking. The 24-year-old from Minsk overtakes Greek Maria Sakkari, who was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the grass event in Nottingham last week, and currently finds herself fifth in the women's world rankings.

Career best for Julia Grabher

However, Sabalenka has to convince again this week in Berlin in terms of results in order not to give up the ground she has gained in the WTA computer, as the former world number two had won the WTA Tour 500 event in the German capital last year against compatriot Victoria Azarenka . Overall, the current world ranking second Anett Kontaveit and Sakkari in sixth place are only 251 points apart. The undisputed number one Iga Swiatek, on the other hand, is only 22 points short of twice as many world ranking points as her pursuer from Estonia.

Angelique Kerber, who is not at the start in Berlin this year, remains in 18th place and is still by far the best-placed German player. Austria's number one Julia Grabher has improved by eleven positions by participating in the quarter-finals of the WTA Challenger in Valencia and is happy with her best career performance with rank 142 (previously 148).

TV NOTE: ServusTV Germany broadcasts all main draw games live and exclusively on free TV from Berlin.

Here is the current women's singles world ranking.

Here is the Race to WTA Finals.