Tennis

WTA Rankings: How Coco Gauff could pass Iga Swiatek for World No. 2 in Madrid

The WTA stars have brought their A-game to the Madrid Open. Now, Coco Gauff has a chance to reclaim the World No. 2 spot as she faces Iga Swiatek.

Coco Gauff of the United States celebrate
© Brendon Thorne/Getty ImagesCoco Gauff of the United States celebrate

Coco Gauff is just two wins away from shaking up the WTA rankings once again. The 20-year-old moved past Mirra Andreeva in straight sets on Wednesday in Madrid, booking her spot in the semifinals where a familiar opponent awaits: Iga Swiatek. The showdown isn’t just a battle for a spot in the final, as it could determine who holds the No. 2 spot in the world next week.

Swiatek, the defending Madrid champion, came through a tougher quarterfinal against Madison Keys, dropping the first set 6-0 before recovering to win in three. She currently sits at No. 2 in the rankings with 7,383 points but could lose that spot if Gauff lifts the trophy this weekend.

A win over Swiatek would bring Gauff’s points total to 6,603, which wouldn’t be enough to leapfrog her opponent just yet. But if the American were to go on and win the Madrid title, she would finish the tournament with 6,953 points, which would be enough to edge past Swiatek’s tally of 6,773 in the event of a semifinal loss.

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On the flip side, Swiatek can eliminate any risk of dropping in the rankings simply by reaching the final. A runner-up finish would bring her to 7,033 points, keeping her ahead of Gauff regardless of the outcome.

Iga Swiatek celebrates during the 2025 Madrid Open (Getty Images)

Iga Swiatek celebrates during the 2025 Madrid Open (Getty Images)

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Either way, if she defends her title successfully, she stays exactly where she is with 7,383 points, still behind Aryna Sabalenka, who holds a commanding lead at No. 1 in the WTA Rankings.

ATP Rankings: How things stand after Alexander Zverev’s elimination from Madrid Open

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Coco Gauff vs Iga Swiatek: Head-to-head

Gauff and Swiatek have faced each other 14 times, with the Polish star winning 11 of those matches. However, Gauff won their last two matches, including earlier this year at the United Cup.

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However, Gauff still never defeated Swiatek on clay, a surface where the four-time major champion thrives and where she has found the most success in her career thus far.

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