After Coco Gauff cruised her way to the 2026 Miami Open final, Iga Swiatek is now facing a significant setback. The Pole has been dethroned by the American from the WTA ranking ladder.
Swiatek kicked off her 2026 year at the Australian Open, which concluded with her fall against champion Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinal round. This year, Swiatek has not only failed to lift a title but also to move past the semifinal rounds.
After a Qatar Open setback, Elina Svitolina outpowered the Pole at Indian Wells quarterfinals. Swiatek’s performance further dropped during the Miami Open after her loss against Magda Linette in the opening round. On the contrary, Gauff, who entered the Miami Open as No 4 seed after Aryna Sabalenka, Rybakina and Swiatek, powered her way to the final after defeating Karolina Muchova, Belinda Bencic, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Alycia Parks and Sorana Cirstea.
Coco Gauff will compete against Aryna Sabalenka in the final. She has already surpassed Iga Swiatek in the WTA Tour live rankings, now holding 7,278 points compared to the Pole’s 7,263 after losing 150 points due to her Miami Open setback.
Coco Gauff Makes Her Feelings Known About Competing At Miami Open Despite Arm Injury
Coco Gauff was forced to retire from Indian Wells during the third round against Alexandra Eala after she suffered an arm injury. She was advised by her team to pull out of the Miami Open. However, the two-time Grand Slam winner vetoed her team and reached the semifinal round in Florida.
After making her way to the further rounds, Gauff reflected on her decision and took pride in executing a remarkable performance.
“I honestly didn’t think I would be in the semis so I’m really happy and proud of myself,” Gauff said. “I think I proved a lot to myself this week, and I feel like with each match, I’m getting better. Even though I’m still playing three sets, I feel like the level is getting better and better.”
Coco Gauff has reached the final round of the WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career.
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