As the 2025 WTA Tour Finals in Riyadh reach the last set of round-robin matches, the battle for semifinal qualification is heating up. One group faces a simple winner-takes-all match, while the other is tangled in mathematical possibilities.
Rybakina leads the way
Elena Rybakina became the first player to book her place in the semifinals after a stunning turnaround against Iga Świątek. The Kazakh lost the first set 6-3 but stormed back to win 12 of the next 13 games, taking the match 3-6, 6-1, 6-0. Later, Amanda Anisimova defeated an ailing Madison Keys in three sets, setting up a crucial clash with Świątek for the remaining semifinal spot in their group. Keys, who has since withdrawn, will be replaced by Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova.
Gauff, Sabalenka, and Pegula in a tense battle
In the opposite group, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and defending champion Coco Gauff are locked in a tight race alongside Jessica Pegula. Gauff kept her hopes alive with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Jasmine Paolini, while Sabalenka edged Pegula 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 in another thriller.
The final standings depend on Thursday’s results:
If both Sabalenka and Pegula win, they advance (Sabalenka first, Pegula second).
If Pegula wins in three sets, Gauff can qualify with any victory.
If Pegula wins in two sets, Gauff must also win in two to advance ahead of Sabalenka.
If Pegula wins in two and Gauff wins in three, game percentage will decide.
A Paolini win eliminates Pegula in all cases, except one specific scenario where Gauff would go out instead.
Group recap
Earlier this week, Pegula beat Gauff in three sets 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-2, while Sabalenka dominated Paolini 6-3, 6-1. Świątek and Rybakina also won their opening matches convincingly, defeating Keys and Anisimova respectively.
Grand Slam champions headline the field
This year’s eight-player lineup features all four 2025 Grand Slam winners, Keys (Australian Open), Gauff (French Open), Świątek (Wimbledon), and Sabalenka (US Open) — joined by Rybakina, Pegula, Anisimova, and Paolini. Rybakina clinched the final spot by overtaking Mirra Andreeva in the season standings, with Andreeva and Alexandrova named alternates.
Format and prize money
The Finals divide players into two groups of four, each playing three round-robin matches. The top two from each group reach the semifinals. The event carries a record $15.5 million prize pool with the undefeated champion able to earn up to $5.235 million, more than any Grand Slam payout.
Riyadh as the host
Saudi Arabia secured a three-year deal to host the WTA Finals starting in 2024, part of its broader investment in global tennis through its Public Investment Fund (PIF). The move sparked debate due to the country’s human rights record, though WTA leaders have emphasized engagement and growth in new regions.
Last year, Coco Gauff won the 2024 edition in Riyadh, defeating Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling final to become the youngest champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004.
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