By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday January 11, 2025
Three WTA players are in the mix for World No.1. Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff all have a shot to finish the Australian Open at the top of the WTA rankings, and here are the scenarios, per the WTA:
Sabalenka Remains at No.1:
Sabalenka will need to reach QF to have a chance at retaining the No.1 ranking, although that could change as Swiatek progresses through the tournament.
Swiatek Gets to No.1 if…
If Swiatek reaches the third round, then Sabalenka would need to reach the SF. If Swiatek reaches the SF then Sabalenka would need to reach the final.
If No.1 and No.2 meet in the final then the winner gets to No.1…
Should Swiatek and Sabalenka meet in the final, then the winner would leave Australia with the PIF WTA World No.1 ranking Swiatek, as she reached the third round last year in Melbourne, is defending only 130 points at the Australian Open, compared to Sabalenka’s 2000 championship points. She could secure the No.1 ranking in the early stages of the tournament with early exits by Gauff and Sabalenka.
Gauff’s longshot:
The only way Gauff could move to No.1 would be by winning the title and Sabalenka losing in the QF or earlier and Swiatek not advancing to the third round.
