Luataliwa file photo
Today, Luataliwa has risen to the top of the WTA doubles rankings for the first time in her career, making her the first New Zealand woman to achieve this feat.
Partnering with Dabrowski, Luataliwa reached the Wimbledon final, finishing as runners-up. This is Luataliwa’s second Grand Slam doubles final in the past 12 months; she won the US Open doubles title in 2023. Additionally, during the 2024 season, Luataliwa claimed the title at Nottingham (WTA 250 level) and was a finalist in Miami and Rome (both WTA 1000 finals) and Eastbourne (WTA 500 level).
The 29-year-old Luataliwa becomes the 49th doubles world No.1 in WTA history, ending Belgian player Mertens’ reign atop the doubles rankings.
In the past two weeks, besides Luataliwa, her compatriot Sun Lulu also made history for New Zealand by becoming the first New Zealand woman to reach the singles quarterfinals at Wimbledon.
(Source: WTA)
