Coco Gauff has slipped to fifth in the world rankings after her Australian Open campaign ended with her smashing her racket in fury. The opening Major of 2026 concluded on Sunday, with Carlos Alcaraz etching his name into the history books as the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam following his victory over Novak Djokovic.

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.

Jessica Pegula, another American player, maintains her sixth position in the rankings, whilst Mirra Andreeva and Jasmine Paolini hold seventh and eighth place respectively.

The final two positions in the top 10 are now held by Belinda Bencic and Elina Svitolina. Both players have risen in the rankings following their Australian performances, with Bencic moving up one place 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.

She also recorded 26 unforced errors whilst managing just three winners.