Olivia Gadecki will jump into world’s top 100 despite losing WTA 500 final in Mexico

The first Australian to make a WTA 500 singles final since Ash Barty fell just short of victory but will walk away from Mexico with a special new title.

Rising star Olivia Gadecki is set to rocket into the world’s top 100 for the first time and become Australia’s highest-ranked female despite going down in her maiden WTA 500 final in Guadalajara after the best tournament of her fledgling career.

The 22-year-old from the Gold Coast entered the event ranked 152 but steamrolled her way past five higher-ranked opponents, losing just a single set on the way to becoming the first Australian to reach a WTA 500 singles final since Ash Barty in January 2022.

Olivia Gadecki is Australia’s new No.1. Picture: Ulises Ruiz / AFP

Coming up against Poland’s world No.43 Magdalena Frech in the decider, Gadecki took the first set to a tie-breaker and stayed with her opponent throughout the second set before going down 7-6, 6-4.

She pocketed a $130,660 cheque for her efforts, is sitting at 88 on the live rankings and has jumped seven other Australian players to be the nation’s No.1 ranked woman for the first time, surpassing veteran Daria Saville.

with a flick of Olivia's wrist 🪄#GDLOpenAKRONxSantanderpic.twitter.com/uHSIKMYyyv

— wta (@WTA) September 16, 2024

Gadecki is also in a strong position to earn direct entry into the Australian Open for the first time.

“I am so happy that I have been able to play my first final here in Guadalajara and I can’t wait to come back,” Gadecki said during the presentation ceremony.

“Being in the top 100 has been a massive goal of mine since I was very young and to now be in that range is incredible.”

A victory would have thrust Gadecki into the world’s top 60, but she’ll have to settle for the top 90.

Originally published as Olivia Gadecki will jump into world’s top 100 despite losing WTA 500 final in Mexico