WTA Rankings Update | Leylah Fernandez returns to top 30 after title triumph as Aussie trio soars

The Asian swing has officially got underway with some big tournaments being played ahead of the first of what is set to be a highly anticipated double header of WTA 1000 tournaments in China. That means the WTA Rankings are set to have a shake-up once more.

A number of players were in action at the Singapore Tennis Open. The highest ranked not to withdraw was Mirra Andreeva, who suddenly became the title favourite. She would lose in the quarter-finals and gain 98 points in the process. She does not gain any places with the top four over 1000 points ahead.

Early exits for Alexandra Eala and Elise Mertens halted their progress. A tremendous run to the semi-finals for Maja Chwalinska gained her four positions back to her career high of 21st, with the top 20 breakthrough surely closing in.

However, the big winner was the champion, Leylah Fernandez. She dumped out both Andreeva and Chwalinska before seeing off Talia Gibson in the final in straight sets. Her sixth WTA title earns her a nice handful of points and a return to the top 20 in 26th after moving up five places.

It was a maiden WTA final for Gibson and a big breakthrough in the process. She rises 26 positions to 37th in the world, a huge new career high. In fact, it was a great week for the Australian tennis contingent.

In the Korea Open, Kimberly Birrell defeated Maya Joint to clinch a first WTA title. She climbed to 41st, again another big career high after 19 positions were climbed. Joint reached the semi-finals last year when it was a WTA 500 tournament, and this resurgent final run will fill her with confidence. She was on the brink of exiting the top 100 but now is in 75th.

Other big rises include the semi-finalist Alinna Korneeva in 69th, Maria Timofeeva in 68th and the unfortunate Tatiana Prozorova. She was forced to withdraw from the last-four in Singapore due to concussion protocols after getting a ball to the face in a doubles match. She rose 57 positions thanks to that stunning run to 123rd, a new career high, but it could have been more if she had the chance to play.

No changes at the top yet. There will be a lot of points on the line with Elena Rybakina seeking a chance to extend her lead over Aryna Sabalenka. Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff may be looking behind them after huge points hauls this time last year.

Pegula will not be competing in the China Open after losing in the 2025 semi-finals against Linda Noskova. She is under pressure to get another solid result after her Billie Jean King Cup triumph for the Czech Republic.

The reigning champion, Amanda Anisimova, will not participate due to a wrist injury with 1000 points set to come off. Iga Swiatek in ninth will seek a chance to climb back up to where she once was in the rankings.

(as per livetennis.eu)