Coco Gauff will soon drop from her spot as the top-ranked American player after a one-sided loss in Perth.
She had started the 2026 season on a strong note, losing just two games to Solana Sierra in her opener.
The 21-year-old also picked up another win for Team USA by teaming up with Christian Harrison to win their mixed doubles match.
But problems with her serve cropped up again against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, and it has now been confirmed that she will no longer be holding on to that No. 1 ranking among Americans.
Coco Gauff knocked off top of American rankings
Gauff lost to Bouzas Maneiro 6-1, 6(3)-7, 6-0, with 14 double faults adding to a tough day on the court.
Despite the result, her drop from the top spot had already been confirmed before the match.
Gauff played a key role in last year’s United Cup title win, going unbeaten throughout the event and looking to help defend that title again this year.
However, the event is being held a week later in 2026 compared to last year, which means her ranking points from that victory had already expired by the time play began.
That change has seen Amanda Anisimova move ahead of her into the American number one spot.
Anisimova had an impressive campaign last season, reaching both Wimbledon and US Open finals, and now sits at a career-high world number three ranking.
This marks the first time Gauff has not held the top American spot since April of last year when Jessica Pegula briefly overtook her.
What Gauff needs to do to reclaim the American number one ranking
Gauff sits just 14 points behind Anisimova in the WTA standings, so the gap is manageable despite the setback.
A strong run could put her right back in contention, provided she can move past the Bouzas Maneiro loss and build some momentum.
The United Cup offers plenty of opportunities. If Gauff wins her remaining singles matches and leads Team USA to another title, she could pick up as many as 325 points along the way.
But it is not entirely in her control. Anisimova is also in action this week, making her season debut at the Brisbane International.
If Anisimova reaches the final there, Gauff would not be able to overtake her this week, regardless of how she performs at the United Cup.
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