Now 15 in the live rankings. 20 of her last 24 matches won. Has a fair new points to defend in the US Open though. So I'm predicting by mid-next year at the latest, probably by around march.
I would not be shocked if this was during this autumn already, but more likely it is to come by spring next year like you suggest, possibly during clay season (after Roland Garros?) before her grass season points fall off.
The problem with a lot of younger players is that they can't keep it up, they have a great week and then three bad weeks in a row. I would be very surprised if Belinda did well in Cincy, most likely she'll lose to Kerber in the first round. Another possible scenario would be a great North American Summer and a miserable Asian swing.
Only time will tell, I wouldn't jump to conclusion.
Halep close comparable. Her Year end ranking 81 - 53 - 47 - 11 - 3
Bencic leaped now, but will have it tough. 212 - 33 - Likely Top 20 - close, but not in 2016 - yes in 2017
#12 now! Top 10 soon.
I don't see it for her atm, quite mediocre imo, what she did in Toronto was exactly taking her chances! Good for her,
many others including former slam winners can't take their chances.
Hopefully Wozniacki is out by the time Bencic is in. Having 2 whining retrievers that need Dad to console them on court, both in the Top 10, would be disgusting.
Last year I met Belinda at Eastbourne and told her that I thought she would be a top ten player. She was really friendly and thanked me. I had only seen her play a few times but it was obvious she was very talented. I was expecting it might take a few years for her to get there.
It should happen. But next year could be the year after like Bouchard and Stephens had the last 2 years.
Also interesting to see what Muguruza does. And Keys. But there are 5 or 6 players 22 and under who could be top 10 next year