Jessica Pegula threatens Iga Swiatek’s World No. 2 ranking after winning WTA 500 Charleston Open title The American has won four titles in the past 52 weeks, in addition to four other finals. The large point defense held by the Polish player makes it practically impossible for her to add any points.
The 5-time Grand Slam champion had an almost perfect clay season last year, with WTA 1000 titles in Madrid Open and Italian Open, in addition to her 4th Roland Garros title. Even if she wins those same three titles this year, she can barely maintain her points in the ranking.
As of Monday, April 7, with no tournaments in progress, Swiatek has 7,470 points and Pegula has 6,101 – a considerable difference of 1,369 points. However, in the upcoming weeks, Swiatek will have virtually no opportunities to add points.
The Polish player has maintained her position in the ranking thanks in large part to her exceptional clay swing in 2024. She defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the finals of Madrid Open and Italian Open, and completed a near-perfect few months, beating Jasmine Paolini in the Roland Garros final – her 4th title at Philippe Chatrier.
The Queen of Clay accumulated 4,195 points (out of a maximum 4,500 given her schedule) with an incredible 21-1 clay court record (42-5 in sets). Her only defeat came in the semifinals of Stuttgart Open against Elena Rybakina. After that, she went on a 19-match winning streak, securing two WTA 1000 titles and the French Open.
On Pegula’s side, having just won her first clay-court title, she will not have any points to defend over the next two months, as she only competed in Charleston last year due to injury. With the same schedule as Swiatek, she will have the opportunity to accumulate important points in a WTA 500, two WTA 1000s, and a Grand Slam at Roland Garros, with 2,000 points at stake.
At the beginning of the year, Swiatek had 7,970 points, while Pegula had 4,705 points. This meant a difference of more than 3,200 points. Today, that gap has narrowed by almost 2,000 points – and with Swiatek having few chances to add points in the coming months, it is in the hands of the American to reach her best ranking as World No. 2 and displace Swiatek from the top 2 for the first time since April 2022.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
