Coco Gauff has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Iga Swiatek in the WTA rankings, marking the first time she will be seeded higher than the Polish player at the upcoming French Open. Gauff, who started the Italian Open ranked third, will officially claim the World No. 2 position when the rankings are updated next Monday.
This elevation in ranking not only reflects Gauff’s persistent ascent since breaking into the Top 10 three years ago but also signifies her return to a career-high ranking. Although she reached World No. 2 briefly last summer, she has successfully regained her position amidst a competitive field.
At the French Open scheduled for the end of May, Gauff is poised to be the second seed, which is crucial for her potential draw in the tournament. She will be placed in a different half from the current World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka. This strategic positioning helps Gauff avoid facing the dominant player early on, as Sabalenka has won three of their last four encounters, including two semifinal matches and a final in Madrid recently.
Gauff’s recent performance has seen her bounce back into the top tier of the WTA live race, landing her sixth place after struggling outside the top eight for the past three months. The live race is pivotal as it determines the eight women who will qualify for the year-end championships in Riyadh.
In contrast, Iga Swiatek suffered a disappointing third-round exit at the Italian Open against Danielle Collins, which has significant implications for her ranking. After failing to defend her title, Swiatek will drop to World No. 4 and become the fourth seed at the French Open. This marks her lowest ranking in three years, and the possibility of her slipping further down in the rankings looms, especially with the 2,000 points at stake as the defending champion.
Despite these challenges, Gauff’s rise in the rankings presents a hopeful narrative for her prospects at the French Open. Her determination and recent form illustrate her capability to thrive under pressure on the prestigious clay courts of Roland Garros.