Sabalenka leads Swiatek by 41 points in the latest rankings published on Monday, overturning a 69-point deficit from the week before, even though neither played last week.
Instead, the Belarusian took back the No.1 spot following "continuing year-end adjustments for falling short of certain tournament quotas," the WTA said.
Currently, WTA stars are expected to play potentially 21 events a season. Swiatek, who has been vocal about the workload on players, is likely to feel aggrieved as she has been docked 120 points for failing to comply.
Sabalenka, who was previously top of the rankings from September through to November last year, laid the groundwork for regaining the No.1 spot when she won the Wuhan Open earlier this month.
After returning to top spot, and referencing her brief tenure last year, Sabalenka posted on social media: "N1… Let's see for how long this time."
Swiatek, meanwhile, has taken time out for a coaching change since she last played, at the US Open.
Last week Swiatek announced Belgian Wim Fissette as her new coach, following her split with Tomasz Wiktorowski earlier this month.
Iga Swiatek has taken time away from court and appointed a new coach. (AP PHOTO)
Swiatek reached the quarter-finals of the US Open before losing to Jessica Pegula, who was in turn beaten by Sabalenka in the final.
Sabalenka also retained her Australian Open title in January, beating Qinwen Zheng in the final. Swiatek's only grand slam triumph was at the French Open, which she won for the third year in a row.
The next chance for Swiatek to regain the top spot is at the WTA Finals next month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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