Caroline Wozniacki will become No. 1 in the world next week, clinching the top spot by beating Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals of Beijing.
Wozniacki, who has played 24 tournaments in the past 12 months, will overtake Serena Williams, who has played 14 tournament in the past 12 months.
"I'm very proud of becoming No. 1 in the world," said Wozniacki. "It's always been a dream for me to achieve the No. 1 ranking and today is a great day for me."
Wozniacki is the first player from Denmark to reach the world No. 1 ranking, and the third non-Grand Slam champion to do so along with Jelena Jankovic and Dinara Safina. Kim Clijsters and Amelie Mauresmo also reached No. 1 before winning a Grand Slam in their careers.