Berlin’s Grass Crown: Who’s Defending Points?

The WTA 500 Berlin Open is underway, and with it comes the pressure of defending valuable ranking points. For some of the top players like Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula, maintaining their position in the rankings hinges on their performance on the Berlin grass. Let’s break down the points each player needs to defend.

Aryna Sabalenka: Aiming to Solidify Top Spot

Currently ranked No. 1 in the world, Aryna Sabalenka has a significant lead but also has points to defend.

• Points to Defend in Berlin: 108 points from reaching the quarter-finals last year.

Sabalenka skipped Wimbledon last year, so Berlin becomes even more crucial for her to maintain her lead in the rankings.

Coco Gauff: Chasing the Top Spot

Coco Gauff, fresh off her French Open triumph, is looking to close the gap on Sabalenka.

• Points to Defend in Berlin: 195 points from her semi-final appearance in Berlin last year.
• Total Points to Defend on Grass: 435 (includes Wimbledon points)

Gauff has a significant number of points to defend during the grass season. Her performance in Berlin will be vital in setting the stage for Wimbledon.

Jessica Pegula: Defending the Title

Jessica Pegula enters the Berlin Open as the defending champion.

• Points to Defend in Berlin: 500 points for winning the title last year.

Pegula had a remarkable run in Berlin last year, saving five championship points in the final. She’ll need another strong performance to defend her title and ranking points.

Other Players to Watch

Several other players in the top 10 also have points to defend during the grass-court season, though their burden might be lighter compared to the top three.

• Jasmine Paolini: Reached the semi-finals in Eastbourne and the Wimbledon final last year, with a total of 1,495 points to defend.
• Iga Swiatek: Defending 130 points from reaching the third round at Wimbledon last year.
• Emma Raducanu: Defending 446 points from her performance at Nottingham, Eastbourne and Wimbledon last year.

What’s at Stake in Berlin?

The Berlin Open is a crucial warm-up for Wimbledon, offering significant ranking points and prize money:

• Champion: 500 points and €142,610
• Finalist: 325 points
• Semi-finalist: 195 points
• Quarter-finalist: 108 points
• Second Round: 60 points
• First Round: 1 point

With nine of the top 10 players competing, the Berlin Open promises intense competition. The players will be battling not only for the title but also for crucial ranking points that could impact their seedings and chances at Wimbledon.