Swiatek's streak snapped; Rybakina's breakthrough; Osaka's and Sabalenka's returns: Examining the WTA's post-Wimbledon landscape

Wimbledon Final Highlights: Rybakina rallies past Jabeur to prevail

The WTA exits Wimbledon offering plenty of intrigue, even amid ambiguity in grasping the rankings, due to the tour’s decision not to award ranking points for results generated at SW19. Put that aside, though, and ponder the wide range of competitors, personalities and playing styles that should make for a compelling North American summer hard-court season.

As women’s tennis makes its way towards the US Open, here are four big-picture themes:

1. Eight Number Ones at Different Stages

Begin with a pair of two-time Grand Slam champions. Though upset in the third round of Wimbledon, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek will surely remain positive, focused—and, most of all, a formidable competitor, propelled by her fierce groundstrokes, superb court coverage skills and healthy appetite for improvement. Ditto for Simona Halep, who made a resurgent run to the Wimbledon semis, along the way showing off an improved serve.

Beyond those two, the future is intriguing for six others who’ve held the No. 1 ranking—four of whom were likely less than pleased with their Wimbledon results. While 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams lost in the first round, she fought hard and remained eager to compete. Also ousted in the first round, two-time major champion Garbine Muguruza personifies the word “streaky,” but when she’s on, look out. Though 2021 runner-up Karolina Pliskova was upset in the second round, her big serve and penetrating groundstrokes should keep her in the mix. Three-time Slam winner Angelique Kerber lost in the third round but can always be counted on to compete hard.

Then there are two former No. 1s who didn’t play. Victoria Azarenka has posted her best results on hard courts, her resume including two Australian Open titles and three US Open runner-up efforts. The same standard of excellence holds true for four-time major winner Naomi Osaka, who pulled out of Wimbledon due to a left Achilles tendon injury. Hopefully, she’ll be healthy and primed as summer continues.

Global Reach Takes Another Step Forward

Just over a decade ago, the ascent of Chinese great and future Hall of Famer Li Na greatly fueled the growth of tennis in a single country. Ons Jabeur’s historic Wimbledon run—the first time an African woman has reached a Grand Slam singles final—holds the potential to propel tennis’ growth across an entire continent.

Lively Contenders With High Hopes

Anett Kontaveit has been ranked as high as No. 2, but has yet to make a significant impression at a major. Paula Badosa made a big splash last year when she won the title at Indian Wells. Emma Raducanu is the reigning US Open champion. Jelena Ostapenko can beat anyone, including a victory earlier this year over Swiatek. Belinda Bencic has generated many excellent results. Petra Kvitova’s arsenal remains imposing. But each of these players has frequently been subject to inconsistent play and early-round losses. Only Badosa and Ostapenko got as far as the fourth round at Wimbledon. Of these dynamic ball-strikers, which will sustain excellent play this summer?

Two others weren’t allowed to play Wimbledon. Aryna Sabalenka, a semifinalist at the All England Club twelve months ago (and later the US Open), relishes the chance to blister the ball. At the opposite end of the tactical spectrum there’s Daria Kasatkina, who made a fine run to the last four at Roland Garros.

And of course, consider Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. In addition to beating Jabeur in the Wimbledon final, Rybakina’s breakout fortnight included wins over Grand Slam champions Halep and Bianca Andreescu, at each stage revealing an impressive mix of power and poise that should transfer well to North America. Having made the greatest run of her career, will Rybakina become a Top 10 mainstay—or go even higher?

There’s No Place Like North America

At least in theory, no one should feel more comfortable during the North American hard-court season than those who’ve grown up playing there.

A pair of Canadian contenders have done well at the US Open. Andreescu, winner in New York three years ago, expressed a renewed passion for the game this spring and has a wide technical and tactical array. Hopefully last year's finalist Leylah Fernandez has recovered from the stress fracture that kept her out of Wimbledon.

Continue with several Americans. After starting the year by going all the way to the final at the Australian Open, Danielle Collins was beaten in the second round of Roland Garros and the first round at Wimbledon. But last summer, Collins won two singles titles—one on clay, the other on hard courts. Coco Gauff reached the final at Roland Garros and was beaten in the third round of Wimbledon by her compatriot, Amanda Anisimova. Gauff’s dedication and focus remain exemplary. Backed by superb groundstrokes—including one of the best backhands in the sport—Anisimova went on to reach the quarterfinals at the All England Club. Though upset in the third round of Wimbledon, Jessica Pegula has proven herself as a gritty competitor. An abdominal injury forced Madison Keys to withdraw from the grass-court major. Keys’ great serve and forehand are imposing on any surface. Intrigue surrounds the path for a trio of American veterans—Alison Riske, Shelby Rogers and 2017 US Open winner Sloane Stephens.