As the 2025 WTA season heads into its decisive stretch, the battle for the year’s top earners is intensifying — and while several stars are making major moves, Aryna Sabalenka still stands well clear of the competition. Despite Coco Gauff’s latest surge up the rankings, the Belarusian remains more than $3 million ahead in total prize money, underlining her dominance throughout the season.
Gauff’s recent triumph at the Wuhan Open marked a turning point in the race. The American collected close to $600,000 in prize money from her title win, lifting her total for the season to more than $7.27 million. The victory capped off another statement performance in what has been a year of consistency and steady improvement for the 21-year-old, who continues to reinforce her position among the sport’s elite. Her late-season form has not only boosted her confidence but also reignited the race for the top spots in the earnings chart.
Sabalenka, however, continues to reign supreme. The world No. 1, who reached the semifinals in Wuhan, earned an additional $180,000, taking her staggering 2025 prize total to around $12.3 million. Her commanding lead highlights just how impressive her campaign has been — from early-season titles to deep runs at nearly every major event. Her consistency across surfaces and her relentless pursuit of excellence have allowed her to maintain a cushion that few can realistically close before the year ends.
Iga Świątek remains Sabalenka’s closest challenger, sitting firmly in second place, though still a considerable distance behind. The Polish star has enjoyed another strong season, with multiple titles and deep Grand Slam runs adding to her prize haul, yet Sabalenka’s remarkable ability to dominate across both majors and WTA 1000 events has made her untouchable in the money standings for now.
For Gauff, though, the story is all about momentum. The 2023 US Open champion has enjoyed a season of consistency and growth, punctuated by strong showings in major tournaments and her recent Wuhan victory. Her rise into the top three of the prize money leaderboard confirms her status as one of the tour’s most bankable and competitive stars. With the WTA Finals approaching, she could still close the gap further, especially if she carries her winning form into Riyadh.
Further down the list, several other players are enjoying career-best seasons. Jessica Pegula’s consistent results have solidified her place among the top earners, while Jasmine Paolini’s breakthrough year — including multiple deep runs at big events — has pushed her earnings higher than ever before. Rising talents such as Mirra Andreeva are also beginning to make their mark financially, signaling the sport’s growing depth and the emergence of a new generation ready to challenge the established order.
As the season nears its finale, every match, every round, and every bonus point carries significance — not just for ranking points but for the lucrative rewards that come with them. Gauff’s rise has injected fresh excitement into a race that looked settled months ago, while Sabalenka’s dominance remains the benchmark every player is chasing.
Whether Gauff can close the gap in the final stretch or Sabalenka will end 2025 as the undisputed prize money queen remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the WTA’s top earners have made this season one of the most competitive and financially rewarding in recent memory, with the sport’s biggest names continuing to push the boundaries of excellence — and earnings — on the global stage.
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