The WTA rankings have undergone a dramatic shake-up following the electrifying 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open, with Canada’s Leylah Fernandez and Britain’s Emma Raducanu emerging as the standout performers. Fernandez, who clinched the biggest title of her career in Washington, and Raducanu, who powered to the semifinals, have both made significant leaps in the global standings, while Naomi Osaka’s steady resurgence has propelled her back into the top 50. The updated rankings, released on July 28, 2025, reflect the fierce competition and rising stars shaping the women’s tennis landscape as the US Open looms.
Leylah Fernandez, the 22-year-old Canadian firebrand, stormed to the Citi DC Open title with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Anna Kalinskaya in the final, a match that lasted just 70 minutes. Her path to the championship was nothing short of spectacular, as she toppled top seed Jessica Pegula in the second round and third seed Elena Rybakina in a grueling three-set semifinal, saving two match points in a 6-7(2), 7-6(3), 7-6(3) thriller. “I was cramping and back in the locker room, I told her ‘You killed me,’” Fernandez said of Rybakina, laughing as she recounted the physical toll of their epic clash. The victory, her fourth WTA title and first since Hong Kong 2023, earned her 500 ranking points and a $200,000 prize, catapulting her 12 spots from No. 36 to No. 24 with 1,818 points. Though still shy of her career-high No. 13, achieved after her 2021 US Open final run, Fernandez’s aggressive baseline play and relentless defense signal her readiness to challenge the elite.
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, also turned heads in Washington, reaching her first semifinal of the 2025 season. The 22-year-old Brit, who has battled injuries and scrutiny since her historic Flushing Meadows triumph, showcased her resilience with a scintillating 6-4, 6-2 win over four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the second round. “I thought it was going to be a really difficult match. Naomi, she’s won four Slams, she’s been world No. 1,” Raducanu said post-match, praising Osaka’s prowess on hard courts. “I knew I was going to have to play really well and manage my own service games – which I’m really proud of how I did.” Raducanu’s run, which included victories over seventh seed Marta Kostyuk and Maria Sakkari, ended with a 6-4, 6-3 loss to Kalinskaya in the semifinals. Her efforts earned her 194 points, vaulting her 13 places from No. 46 to No. 33 with 1,405 points, her highest ranking since August 2022. “I think my confidence has been building since Miami,” she noted, crediting her behind-the-scenes work for her resurgence. However, with 108 points from last year’s DC Open quarter-final set to drop, she’ll need a strong showing in Montreal to maintain her top-40 status.
Naomi Osaka, the Japanese star and former World No. 1, marked a significant milestone by re-entering the top 50, climbing from No. 51 to No. 49 after reaching the second round in Washington. Her straight-sets win over Yulia Putintseva showcased flashes of her championship form, though Raducanu halted her progress. Osaka’s return to the elite tier follows a challenging period, including a third-round Wimbledon exit to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and a coaching split with Patrick Mouratoglou. Her steady climb reflects her determination to reclaim her place among the game’s best, with fans buzzing about her potential at the upcoming US Open, where she won in 2018 and 2020.
Anna Kalinskaya, the 26-year-old Russian finalist, also made waves, surging 17 spots from No. 48 to No. 31 after her runner-up finish. Despite the 6-1, 6-2 loss to Fernandez, her straight-sets victories over Kamilla Rakhimova, Magda Linette, Clara Tauson, and Raducanu highlighted her consistency. “I want to thank my team for being with me in tough moments and good moments,” Kalinskaya said, giving a heartfelt shoutout to her dog Bella, who accompanied her courtside. Her 315-point haul keeps her in the hunt for a maiden WTA title.
Elsewhere, Marie Bouzkova rose eight spots to No. 39 after winning the Prague WTA 250, while Taylor Townsend jumped 22 places to No. 75 following her Washington quarter-final and doubles No. 1 ranking achievement. Aryna Sabalenka held firm at No. 1 with 12,420 points, followed by Coco Gauff (7,769), Iga Swiatek (6,813), Jessica Pegula (6,423), and Mirra Andreeva (4,914). The top 20 remained unchanged, despite early exits for Pegula and Emma Navarro. As the tour shifts to the National Bank Open in Montreal, where Fernandez faces Maya Joint and Raducanu takes on Elena-Gabriela Ruse, the stage is set for more ranking battles. With the US Open on the horizon, these rising stars are proving they’re ready to shine.
Leave a Reply