The chase for Tokyo 202One
Which American women on the WTA Tour will represent Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics? With two singles spots taken, and the third all but wrapped up, the battle for the final berth will come down to performances in Paris.
Sofia Kenin (No. 5)
What helped her qualify:
-2020 Australian Open champion points
-2020 Roland Garros finalist points
-2019 Toronto and Cincinnati semifinalist points
Serena Williams (No. 8)
What helped her qualify:
-2019 Wimbledon and US Open finalist points
-2021 Australian Open semifinalist points
-2019 Toronto finalist points
Jennifer Brady (No. 13)
Outlook:
The 2021 Australian Open finalist is as close to a lock as one could get heading into Roland Garros. As of the May 17 rankings, her lead over the No. 4 position was more than 1200 points.
Madison Keys (No. 24)
Outlook:
A win away from bringing home a medal in 2016, a return to the Games is possible. Keys occupied the No. 4 position as of May 17, but will be dropping her 2019 French Open quarterfinal points—and has two players on her heels with all the momentum.
Coco Gauff (No. 25)
Outlook:
Gauff was ranked No. 67 at the start of the 2020 season. But with a strong 2021 that includes her first WTA 1000 semifinal in Rome and title run at Parma, a trip to Tokyo is a real possibility for the 17-year-old.
Alison Riske (No. 28)
Outlook:
Had the Olympics been staged in 2020, Riske was in prime position to be there. Now, it seems unlikely. She retired in the first set of her Rome encounter with Iga Swiatek and has bowed out in the first round of her past six French Open appearances.
Jessica Pegula (No. 29)
Outlook:
Like Gauff, the Buffalo native wasn't in the conversation a year ago. A whole lot has changed: among her highlights, a major quarterfinal singles debut in Melbourne and win over Naomi Osaka in Rome. Don't overlook Pegula.