WTA Race 2025: Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff lead after first week of the season

Monday, 06 January 2025 at 22:00

The first week of the WTA Tour is complete, and the Race is starting to take shape with Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff leading the pack. The rankings – which only consider points earned this year – feature several surprises, including appearances by Iga Swiatek, Mirra Andreeva, and Naomi Osaka in the top 10.

It’s hard to predict after just one week who is poised for a big season, but it’s always a good sign to start at the top of the rankings. Leading the pack is none other than current World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who confirmed her strong form by winning the Brisbane International title, earning her first 500 points of the season.

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Tied with Sabalenka is Coco Gauff, also with 500 points, following five consecutive wins at the United Cup. She led Team USA to victory, including a triumph over Iga Swiatek in the final. The five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek sits in 4th place with 325 points after four wins and one loss representing Poland.

The first surprise in the rankings is youngster Polina Kudermetova, who occupies 3rd place in the Race, just ahead of Swiatek. The younger Kudermetova surpassed qualifying in Brisbane and had an incredible run to the final, coming within one set of defeating Sabalenka to claim the title. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old starts the year strong and is on the verge of entering the top 50.

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Another young star who had an excellent week was Clara Tauson at the WTA 250 ASB Classic. The 22-year-old Dane clinched the title after Naomi Osaka retired mid-second set in the final. While not the ideal way to win, Tauson adds another trophy to her record and starts the year ranked 5th.

The Brisbane International semifinalists Anhelina Kalinina and Mirra Andreeva take the 6th and 7th spots, with the Ukrainian leading by just one point. A bit further down, former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka is in 8th place with 163 points after reaching the final in Auckland. The Japanese star raised concerns about her fitness heading into the Australian Open but proved that when healthy, her talent remains unmatched.

Marie Bouzkova and Ashlyn Krueger complete the top 10 after quarterfinal losses in Brisbane. Check out the top players in the WTA Race standings after the first week of the 2025 season below.