WTA Finals

The grand final: The WTA Finals 2025 in Riyadh – excitement, power & quality

Last modified on29 October 2025

The WTA Finals are one of the most important tournaments in professional women's tennis - after the four Grand Slams, it is the top event at the end of the season. The focus is on the best eight singles players and eight doubles teams of the season, who compete head-to-head in an exclusive competition.
Here we take a look at the importance, the format, the history and the current top players - so that you are well informed when the time comes again in November: Who will be champion at the WTA Finals?

Meaning & format of the WTA Finals

The WTA Finals are not "just" another tournament - they are the season finale with a lot at stake: prestige, ranking points and a large part of the season's balance sheet.

Meaning at a glance:

  • Only the eight best singles players and the eight best doubles teams of the season take part - so only those who have qualified by virtue of their season's performance will compete.

  • Significant ranking points are up for grabs (with a maximum of around 1,500 in singles if undefeated) as well as high prize money.

  • For the players, whoever triumphs here ends the season with a strong statement - often combined with an excellent annual ranking and additional winning aura.

Format in detail:

  • Eight participants or teams compete in both the singles and doubles competitions.

  • These eight are divided into two groups of four players or teams.

  • In the group phase, everyone plays against everyone else in the group. The top two from each group then qualify for the semi-finals.

  • From the semi-finals onwards, the tournament continues in knockout mode: semi-finals → final. Whoever wins the final is the tournament winner.

  • The venue is currently the city of Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for the years 2024-2026, to be played on hard courts (indoor) from November 1 to 8, 2025.

Thanks to this exclusive format with top players, group stage and final round, the tournament has a special significance: it is the "best of the best" among themselves rather than a broad, large competition.

The favorites - the top stars at a glance

Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka is the clear number 1 of the season and therefore the big favorite. She secured her ticket for Riyadh back in July - the first player ever to do so.

  • Season record: According to statistics, over 59 wins with only 11 defeats.

  • Major titles in 2025: US Open, several WTA 1000 victories (e.g. Miami, Madrid) and finals at the Australian and French Open.

  • Motivation: Despite a dominant season, she has yet to win a WTA Finals title - a striking omission.

Why she can win: Her power game, aggressive serve/return game and mental strength make her the most challenging rival.
What could stop it: If it falters, then the level is so high that a strong headwind is coming. The pressure is palpable at any moment.

Iga Świątek

Iga Świątek has been the great constant on the WTA Tour in recent years. In August, she secured her fifth consecutive appearance at the WTA Finals.

  • Highlight of the season: Wimbledon winner and thus champion of the All-England tournament for the first time.

  • Playing style: Intelligent, variable, with a mixture of power and fine technique - one of the most interesting players of this generation.

Why she can win: Experience, hunger for titles and mental coolness.
What could stop her: Sabalenka in the chart above - if she finds her rhythm, she is Świątek's biggest rival at the moment.

Coco Gauff

The defending champion of the WTA Finals - Coco Gauff won in Riyadh in 2024 and is coming to Saudi Arabia with a lot of self-confidence.

  • Season: By winning the French Open and the Wuhan Open (WTA 1000) at the beginning of October, she signaled that she is ready to play at the top again.

Why she can win: Youthful courage paired with finals experience - a dangerous combination.
What could stop her: She could still occasionally fall behind against players with high speed or very variable technique.

Other participants - challengers with potential

Here is a brief overview of other strong starters who could provide some surprises:

  • Amanda Anisimova - The return of a fighter: Amanda Anisimova made a remarkable comeback in 2025. After a difficult phase, she returned with impressive performances and secured her place at the WTA Finals. With her powerful game and mental strength, she is one of the top favorites.

  • Jessica Pegula - The constant in US tennis: Jessica Pegula is known for her consistent performance and tactical finesse. With her solid game structure and precise strokes, she has once again qualified for the WTA Finals and is considered a serious contender.

  • Madison Keys - The return of the Grand Slam champion: Madison Keys is celebrating arguably the strongest year of her career in 2025. After her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final, she secured a place at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. In addition to the Melbourne triumph, she also made strong semi-finals in Indian Wells and Queen's Club as well as several quarter-finals, including Roland Garros, where she was eliminated by Coco Gauff.

  • Jasmine Paolini - The surprise of the year: Jasmine Paolini has earned herself a place at the WTA Finals with consistent performances and surprising victories.

  • Elena Rybakina - Former champion with ambitions: Elena Rybakina, former Wimbledon champion, has qualified for the WTA Finals for the third time in a row. With her powerful playing style and experience, she is one of the top favorites.

These players bring a blend of experience, talent and determination that will make the 2025 WTA Finals an exciting tournament. Each of them has the potential to win the title and secure a place in the history of women's tennis.

Group draw & schedule for the WTA Finals

🏆 Stefanie Graf Group:

Aryna Sabalenka (1)
Coco Gauff (3)
Jessica Pegula (5)
Jasmine Paolini (8)

🏆 Serena Williams Group:

Iga Swiatek (2)
Amanda Anisimova (4)
Elena Rybakina (6)
Madison Keys (7)

On Saturday, November 1, 2025, Iga Swiatek vs. Madison Keysi and Amanda Anisimova vs. Elena Rybakina will open the group stage of the WTA Finals.

Pure suspense - storylines to keep an eye on

  • Sabalenka vs. Świątek: The biggest head-to-head clash of the year - who will come out on top?

  • Gauff's title defense: How does she react to the targeted chasing of the competition?

  • American dominance: With four US players in the field, the land of opportunity is on show.

  • New faces, old hands: Anisimova, Paolini, Rybakina - they all want to seize their chance.

  • Format and pressure: The round robin phase does not allow for complacency - a misstep can be costly. That's what makes it so exciting!

Conclusion - Why you shouldn't miss this tennis highlight

The WTA Finals 2025 are more than just the end of a season - they are a stage for heroes, rising stars and legends-in-the-making. For all tennis fans worldwide, this is one of the few events where only the very best eight compete - guaranteeing quality, excitement and pure emotion.
Whether you want to cheer on the world number 1, take a young talent to your heart or simply experience first-class women's tennis - history will be made in Riyadh from November 1 to 8.

Become part of #teamyellow!

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Last modified on 29. October 2025