As the 2025 tennis season draws to a close, the WTA Finals are set to bring the action to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, starting Saturday. This prestigious event will see the top eight singles players and doubles teams, with a total of $15.5 million in prize money up for grabs.
The tournament format kicks off with round-robin matches, where each participant will compete three times over six days. The top two players from each group will progress to the semifinals, culminating in the finals on November 8. The singles champion can earn up to $5.235 million, while the winning doubles team is set to receive a maximum of $1.139 million, alongside valuable ranking points.
Among those vying for the title is Coco Gauff, the defending champion and current world No. 3. After experiencing a mixed season, which included triumphing at the French Open and struggling with her serve, Gauff’s recent performances have reignited her confidence. A successful tour in China, culminating in a victory at the Wuhan Open, suggests that she’s back at her best just in time to defend her title. Gauff understands the challenge ahead, noting the difficulty of successfully defending at this level, a feat not achieved since Serena Williams in 2014.
The singles field boasts a formidable lineup, including Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova. Sabalenka, who has had a stellar year, will conclude the season as the year-end No. 1 following significant achievements, including a major title at the US Open. Although she has yet to capture the WTA Finals title, her consistent performance in high-stakes tournaments makes her a strong contender.
American players feature prominently in this year’s singles draw, with Gauff, Pegula, Anisimova, and Madison Keys all qualifying. This marks the highest representation of American talent in the WTA Finals since 2003. Anisimova, ranked No. 4, is making her debut and has had an impressive year, including two major finals. Pegula is returning for her fourth consecutive season following a solid performance in 2023, while Keys hopes to make an impactful return after her Australian Open triumph earlier this year.
The doubles competition is equally exciting, showcasing great partnerships such as Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, as well as Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend. Errani and Paolini, who previously claimed the French Open title, are among the favorites, while Siniakova’s continued excellence alongside Townsend adds another layer of intrigue to the mix.
As the event progresses, all eyes will be on whether players like Gauff can recapture their former glory and if new talents like Anisimova can make their mark on this season-ending showcase. With momentum shifting and stakes high, the WTA Finals promise thrilling matches and unforgettable moments in the world of women’s tennis.
