WTA Race to Riyadh: Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek threaten Madison Keys' lead

After the first week of Indian Wells, Madison Keys remains firmly at the top, though she needs more victories to avoid being surpassed by Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, who are closely following her in the race for the WTA Race to Riyadh leadership.

With four Americans in the top 10 of the Race, Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic have strong chances of breaking into the top 19 if they continue advancing in Tennis Paradise. Early eliminations from Clara Tauson and Amanda Anisimova, along with Paula Badosa’s injury, hint at potential changes in the upper section of the Race.

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Sabalenka and Swiatek in pursuit

For years, the consistency of WTA players has been questioned, but in 2025, there seem to be clear leaders. The Australian Open champion, Madison Keys, remains at the top as the leader with 2,619 points, still holding a good lead over Aryna Sabalenka (2nd, 1,995 points) and Iga Swiatek (3rd, 1,830 points).

Both Sabalenka and Swiatek can overtake Keys if they win the title, although they would need Keys to be eliminated before the Round of 16. Nevertheless, the podium positions have remained stable throughout the season, and Indian Wells could see shifts, especially given the slim margin between Swiatek and Sabalenka, the two main title contenders.

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The top 5 continues with Mirra Andreeva (1,620), the recent champion in Dubai, who is on an 8-match winning streak on the Tour. She will face Elena Rybakina (5th, 1,310 points) for a spot in the quarterfinals. The players in the top 5 currently appear to be well ahead of the rest of the competitors, and the recent elimination of Clara Tauson (6th, 1,300 points) seems to further separate them from the rest.

Gauff and Bencic look to break Into the Top 10

However, the Americans are not only represented by Keys in the top ranks, as four American players currently sit in the top 10 of the Race 2025. Emma Navarro (7th) and Jessica Pegula (8th) are still in the running, and both could surpass Tauson this week with more victories. In 9th place is the already eliminated Amanda Anisimova (Doha Open champion) and Paula Badosa, who did not compete in Indian Wells due to injury.

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Several players are in a good position to break into the top 10. Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic could enter the top 10 if they secure a spot in the quarterfinals, which will require a couple more victories. Karolina Muchova (14th) and Elina Svitolina (18th) are also in contention, and a good run at Indian Wells could help them rise higher in the Race.

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