American teenage tennis sensation Coco Gauff continues to lead the race to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, staying ahead of top rivals Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
The 18-year-old Gauff has enjoyed a stellar start to the 2023 season, winning her third career WTA title at the Auckland Classic. Currently world number 7, she is projected to secure an Olympic spot based on the 52-week WTA rankings.
Gauff has a healthy 1,975-point lead over second-placed Sabalenka from Belarus in the Olympic race standings. World number 1 Swiatek from Poland is third with 1,660 points.
To qualify for the Paris Olympics, players must be ranked inside the top 56 by the June 2024 deadline, with a maximum of 4 players from any one country.
Gauff is in prime position to become the youngest Olympic tennis player since 2000. Her form and consistency at such a young age have been mightily impressive.
Having burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old at Wimbledon in 2019, Gauff has gone from strength to strength. Her dynamic game and infectious personality have made her one of tennis’ most marketable young stars.
While there is still competition for Olympic spots, Gauff’s early season results indicate she is tracking for Paris. She will be eager to go one better than the Tokyo Olympics, where she lost in the quarterfinals.
If Gauff can maintain focus through 2023, she should achieve her goal of representing the USA at the 2024 Olympics. Her veterans Williams sisters inspired her growing up, now Gauff aims to follow in their footsteps onto the Olympic stage.
