After shattering her racket out of rage at the end of her Australian Open campaign, Coco Gauff fell to fifth place in the world rankings. After defeating Novak Djokovic in the first Major of 2026, Carlos Alcaraz made history on Sunday by becoming the youngest player to ever complete a career Grand Slam.
The previous day saw Elena Rybakina overcome world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to secure her second major singles title. Gauff, who entered the tournament ranked third globally, crashed out in the quarter-finals. She suffered a comprehensive defeat to Elina Svitolina, losing 6-1, 6-2.
After the loss, which highlighted her ongoing service difficulties, the two-time Grand Slam champion was filmed venting her anger on her racket in the Rod Laver Arena concourse. The 21-year-old repeatedly struck her racket against the ground, evidently incensed by her display.
The Australian Open’s conclusion has triggered changes in the WTA top five. Sabalenka retains her position as world number one, whilst Iga Swiatek remains second despite her quarter-final loss to Rybakina.
Rybakina has now climbed to third in the rankings, having arrived at the Australian Open seeded 12th. American Amanda Anisimova holds steady in fourth place, whilst Gauff completes the top five after dropping two spots following her quarter-final elimination.
Another American player, Jessica Pegula, is still ranked sixth, while Mirra Andreeva and Jasmine Paolini are ranked seventh and eighth, respectively.
Belinda Bencic and Elina Svitolina currently occupy the last two spots in the top ten. Following their efforts in Australia, both players have moved up in the rankings, with Bencic rising one spot to ninth.
Svitolina, meanwhile, has climbed two positions, advancing from 12th to 10th.
Following her quarter-final exit at the Australian Open, Gauff will now turn her attention to preparing for the French Open in the spring, where the 21-year-old will aim to defend the title she claimed last year in spectacular fashion against Sabalenka.
Nevertheless, despite enlisting coach Gavin MacMillan last year to address her biomechanics, Gauff continues to struggle with her serve. In her loss to Svitolina, the now world No. 5 committed five double faults.
In addition, she managed just three wins while recording 26 unforced errors.
