Coco Gauff set for huge rankings boost as Elena Rybakina flounders in Indian Wells defence after withdrawal

America’s tennis star Coco Gauff has received a major boost after the withdrawal of Elena Rybakina from the Indian Wells.

The mega-event is currently underway where players from all over the world are battling to secure the ultimate prize. The 24-year-old, who was defending her crown at the mega-event, has withdrawn from the competition due to illness on Friday.

The development means that Gauff, who was the world number three before the start of the competition, will now be able to keep her spot there. Rybakina is the world number four and had a chance to close the gap on the 19-year-old in the WTA rankings.

Gauff is often regarded as one of the most highly-rated players currently playing in the women’s singles category. She lived up to the hype in the 2023 season where she won her first Grand Slam after beating the current world number two Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the US Open with a score of 2–6, 6–3, 6–2.

In the first Grand Slam of the year this season, Gauff lost in the semifinal of the Australian Open to Sabalenka with a score of 7-6, 6-4.

The Florida-born has booked her place in the round of 32 after beating France’s Clara Burel with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 7-6.