Iga Swiatek to announce new coach following Tomasz Wiktorowski split, Coco Gauff to win Wuhan Open? 3 predictions for tennis this week

Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka lead the field for the Wuhan Open this week, while top-ranked Iga Swiatek is amiss. The men, meanwhile, remain focused on their quest for a title at the Shanghai Masters.

Novak Djokovic returned to action in Shanghai and is gunning for his fifth title at the venue, and his 100th career title. However, he faces a stiff challenge from Carlos Alacaraz and Jannik Sinner, the tour's most in-form players at the moment.

The past week had some major announcements, with Swiatek's split from her coach being the most prominent one. On that note, here's a look at what could unfold over the coming week:

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Iga Swiatek's search for a new coach comes to an end

Iga Swiatek and Tomasz Wiktorowski. (Photo: Getty)

Swiatek called it time on a rather successful partnership with Tomasz Wiktorowski, who had been her coach for three years, last week. She chose to skip the Asian swing in order to navigate this period of change and hire the best possible candidate for the job.

Swiatek is currently looking for a foreign coach to guide her to new heights. While there are quite a few options, the WTA Finals are fast approaching as well. She's the defending champion, and if she wants to end the season atop the rankings, she will be in a slight hurry to hire a new coach.

As such, Swiatek could potentially finalize a deal with a new coach by the end of this week. She will then have three weeks to prepare for the WTA Finals with her new coach and make any minor adjustments heading into the season's final tournament.

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Coco Gauff completes the Asian sweep with a title at the Wuhan Open

Coco Gauff at the China Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)

After a tough few months, Gauff emerged triumphant at the recently concluded China Open. She beat Karolina Muchova 6-1, 6-3 in the final to capture her second title of the season, and her second WTA 1000 crown as well.

Gauff will now aim to complete the double by winning the Wuhan Open. Caroline Garcia is the only player to win the China Open and the Wuhan Open back-to-back when she achieved the rare feat in 2017.

This will be Gauff's debut at the Wuhan Open. Should she win the title, she will officially qualify for the WTA Finals. She is already in a good spot as she's fourth in the race, and winning her opening-round contest would push her to third spot.

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Carlos Alcaraz wins the Shanghai Masters

Carlos Alcaraz at the China Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Alcaraz's second-round exit from the US Open sent shockwaves. It marked his earlier exit from a Major in over two years, and it was all the more surprising since he was the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion.

However, the young Spaniard has staged quite a turnaround since then. He has remained unbeaten in singles since his disappointing loss in New York. He was instrumental in his team's victories at the Davis Cup and the Laver Cup.

Alcaraz continued his good run of form at the China Open and beat World No. 1 Sinner for the third time this year to win the title. He has now reached the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters, and given his form, it wouldn't be too surprising to see him lift the winner's trophy.