WTA Finals Race to Riyadh post-French Open: No 1 Iga Swiatek already qualified

The French Open is over for another year, with no prizes for predicting the tournament champion.

Iga Swiatek made history in more ways than one with her fourth title at Roland Garros , cementing her place as the best player in the world.

With two Slams down and two still to go, we are effectively at the halfway point of the season.

With that in mind, we take you through who is where in the race to reach the WTA Finals – which will be held in Riyadh for the first time in 2024.

Stunning Swiatek’s spot secured

2024 has been a dominant year for world No 1 Swiatek – and she isn’t done yet.

But 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.

As it stands, Swiatek has 7,335 ranking points to her name for the season, ahead of the current projected cut-off of 7,170 points.

Based on her current form, she will be a significant favourite to defend her title.

WTA French Open Winners and Losers: Iga Swiatek cements No 1 status as Aryna Sabalenka falls flat – and scheduling debacle shames tournament

Sabalenka leads chasing pack

Others have also earned significant points this season.

Aryna Sabalenka’s 4,358 points may pale compared to Swiatek’s total, but it is an impressive haul that puts the Australian Open champion, and Madrid and Rome finalist, well-placed to qualify.

A total of 3,650 points were needed for eighth place in 2023, meaning that Sabalenka – who will slip to world No 3 on Monday – has likely done enough to qualify, even before Wimbledon and the US Open .

Third-placed Elena Rybakina is also in a strong position, with 4,013 points to her name after title victories in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart – and runner-up finishes in Doha and Miami.

Chasing them in fourth place is Coco Gauff , who is a little further back points-wise.

However, the American has 3,163 points after winning the Auckland title and reaching the Australian Open and Roland Garros semi-finals, and will likely do enough to ensure qualification.

Is Coco Gauff set for bold career move after French Open triumph?

Paolini in pursuit

The breakout star of 2024, Jasmine Paolini’s run to the final in Paris was matched by winning her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai earlier this season.

And, thanks to her Roland Garros run, the Italian has jumped up to three spots to fifth place in the Race to Riyadh, with 3,010 points; she is close to Gauff, and may not be too far from earning enough points.

Behind Paolini is Danielle Collins , who lost early at the French Open, but is in sixth place after tournament titles in Miami and Charleston.

The American has a significant cushion over Australian Open finalist Zheng Qinwen in seventh, with Jelena Ostapenko holding the eighth and final spot.

Marta Kostyuk and Emma Navarro would be tournament reserves as things stand, but there is still plenty to play for.

WTA Rankings Winners and Losers French Open: Coco Gauff new No 2, Jasmine Paolini top 10, Karolina Muchova -19

WTA Race to Riyadh (as of June 10th 2024)

1) Iga Swiatek – 7,335 points Q
2) Aryna Sabalenka – 4,358
3) Elena Rybakina – 4,013
4) Coco Gauff – 3,163
5) Jasmine Paolini – 3,010
6) Danielle Collins – 2,927
7) Zheng Qinwen – 2,200
8) Jelena Ostapenko – 1,959
…….
9) Marta Kostyuk – 1,766
10) Emma Navarro – 1,628