By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday, January 11, 2025
As the Australian Open unfolds, three remarkable WTA athletes—Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff—are vying for the esteemed title of World No. 1. Here’s a detailed look at their paths to the top, according to the WTA.
Path for Sabalenka to Retain No. 1:
To keep her World No. 1 status, Sabalenka must reach at least the quarterfinals. However, this situation can shift as Swiatek progresses in the tournament.
Swiatek’s Journey to No. 1:
Should Swiatek advance to the third round, Sabalenka would then need to reach the semifinals. If Swiatek makes it to the semifinals herself, Sabalenka must aim for the final.
Final Showdown for No.1:
If Sabalenka and Swiatek clash in the championship match, the victor will take home the coveted No. 1 ranking. Notably, Swiatek only needs to defend 130 points from her third-round exit last year in Melbourne, while Sabalenka has a hefty 2000 points to defend from her championship victory. Early exits by both Gauff and Sabalenka could pave the way for Swiatek to seize the No. 1 spot sooner than expected.
Gauff’s Slim Chance:
Coco Gauff’s path to the top is a challenging one. She can only ascend to No. 1 if she clinches the title while Sabalenka bows out in the quarterfinals or earlier, and if Swiatek does not progress past the third round.