What is at stake in WTA Ranking during Australian Open including Iga Swiatek's number one spot and the chasing pack

With the 2024 Australian Open set to begin on Sunday, January 14, there could be some significant movement on the WTA Ranking table following the conclusion of the first Grand Slam of the season.

Although Polish star Iga Swiatek is the favorite to lift the title in Melbourne, several top-ranked players stand in her way. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka could summon the championship spirit that saw her lift the title last year, as could Coco Gauff, who defied all odds to lift her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open.

The four-time Grand Slam champion strengthened her grip on the No.1 ranking following her impressive performance at the United Cup, and leads World No.2 and defending champion Sabalenka by 2,735 points in the live rankings. The winner of the tournament gets 2,000 ranking points. Therefore, even if Sabalenka retains her title and Swiatek falls in the first round, the Polish star would still leave Melbourne as the top-ranked player.

World No.4 Coco Gauff could see herself clinch the No.2 ranking, if she improves upon her fourth round finish from last year's edition. Should Gauff reach the semifinals, and Sabalenka falls before the quarterfinals, the American will leapfrog her Belarusian foe to reach a new career-high of World No.2.

Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova could break into the top 5 if any of the favorites fall early, the Czech star reached the third round in Melbourne last year. Breakthrough star Qinwen Zheng could crack the top 10 should she go on a deep run at this year's Australian Open, the Chinese player suffered an early round loss at last year's edition.