WTA Finals Race post-Wimbledon: No 1 Iga Swiatek qualified as Jasmine Paolini, Barbora Krejcikova surge
Wimbledon is over for another year, and once again a surprise champion prevailed.
Few would have expected Barbora Krejcikova to add to her 2021 French Open victory, but the 31st seed downed Jasmine Paolini in three sets to become a two-time singles Slam winner.
The Czech star was outside the top 50 for the season but has now surged into contention for WTA Finals qualification.
After the third Slam of 2024, we look at how the WTA Race to Riyadh stands.
Stunning Swiatek’s spot secured
2024 has been a dominant year for world No 1 Iga Swiatek – and she isn’t done yet.
With WTA 1000 titles in Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, and Rome to her name, and now a third straight victory at Roland Garros, the Pole is already guaranteed a spot at the WTA Finals.
A round three loss at Wimbledon was a shock but with 7,465 points to her name, she is all but guaranteed to finish the year as world No 1.
Based on 2024 form, she will be a significant favourite to defend her title.
The chasing pack
After a dramatic Championships, the pecking order has been well and truly shaken up ahead of the final months of 2024.
With three WTA 500 titles and now a Wimbledon semi-final to her name, Elena Rybakina has leapt up to second place on 4,901 points – a total that will almost certainly be enough to qualify.
And, after reaching back-to-back Grand Slam finals, Italian star Jasmine Paolini – who will hit a new career-high of fifth on Monday – will sit third in the race, with 4,505 points.
That should be enough for the 28-year-old to qualify for the year-end finals for the first time.
Rybakina and Paolini have jumped above Aryna Sabalenka, who was forced to miss SW19 due to a shoulder injury.
However, the Belarusian still sits fourth in the race on 4,466 points, and will likely qualify for the fourth straight season.
Also dropping down is Coco Gauff, the US No 1 now in fifth after losing in round four of Wimbledon, though a similar run saw compatriot Danielle Collins stay in sixth.
Now behind her is Krejcikova, who has jumped up a staggering 45 places to seventh on 2,616 points and will hope to return to singles action after previously qualifying in 2021.
As it stands, the eighth and final spot would go to Jelena Ostapenko, who has jumped up one place thanks to reaching the last eight at the All England Club.
WTA Race to Riyadh (as of July 15th 2024)
1) Iga Swiatek – 7,465 points Q
2) Elena Rybakina – 4,901
3) Jasmine Paolini – 4,505
4) Aryna Sabalenka – 4,466
5) Coco Gauff – 3,598
6) Danielle Collins – 3,167
7) Barbora Krejcikova – 2,616
8) Jelena Ostapenko – 2,450
…….
9) Daria Kasatkina – 2,303
10) Zheng Qinwen – 2,271
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