With the end of the tennis season in sight, all eyes are now on the WTA Finals, which kick off this coming weekend in Riyadh. This season-ending tournament is the culmination of a year packed with thrilling matches, surprising upsets, and standout performances, and it’s where the top players on the women’s tour come together to vie for one last prestigious title. After an eventful season, the Finals promise an intense showdown among eight of the best players, each bringing their own mix of form, resilience, and strategy to the court.
The WTA Finals feature a unique format in tennis, a round-robin stage where players face off within groups before advancing to a knockout format, if they qualify. This structure often produces unexpected matchups and, occasionally, surprising champions. With 2024’s competitive landscape, there’s no clear frontrunner, but certain players have emerged as top contenders for the trophy. Here’s a look at how the field stacks up, with each participant ranked based on overall season performance, recent form, and big-match experience.
### 8. Barbora Krejcikova
Sitting at number 12 in the Race but securing her spot thanks to her impressive Wimbledon victory, Krejcikova has had a season of highs and lows. Her journey at Wimbledon was exceptional, overcoming tough opponents like Danielle Collins, Jelena Ostapenko, Elena Rybakina, and Jasmine Paolini to clinch the title. However, beyond that Grand Slam triumph, Krejcikova’s year has been marred by injuries, limiting her participation and success in tournaments. Since Wimbledon, she has only won five matches, three of which were at the Olympics, where she showed some of her fierce competitive edge. Unfortunately, she was forced to withdraw from the Ningbo Open with an injury. Despite her undeniable skill and strong all-around game, her recent struggles with form and fitness make her an underdog at this year’s Finals.
### 7. Elena Rybakina
A powerful force on the court when in top condition, Rybakina has seen a season characterized by both remarkable victories and frustrating setbacks. She clinched WTA 500 titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart, and advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals, showcasing her exceptional power and precision. Yet injuries and illness have continuously disrupted her season. The Kazakh star pulled out of the US Open in the second round and hasn’t competed since, leaving her form and readiness for the Finals in question. With her limited matches post-Wimbledon, Rybakina is a bit of an enigma as she heads into Riyadh, and her performance will largely depend on her current physical state and confidence level.
### 6. Jasmine Paolini
The Italian sensation has had a meteoric rise this season, climbing from world No. 30 to a career-high No. 4. Paolini’s victory at the WTA 1000 event in Dubai stunned many, but her subsequent runner-up finishes at Roland Garros and Wimbledon solidified her status as a formidable competitor. While her form has dipped slightly since the summer, Paolini remains a tough contender who could surprise in her Finals debut. As one of only two players making her first appearance at this event, she might face a learning curve, but her tenacious play and fearless approach suggest she could make a strong impression.
### 5. Jessica Pegula
After a rocky start to the year, Pegula has demonstrated resilience and determination to return to form. Following early-season inconsistency and injuries, she made a strong comeback, highlighted by her victory in Berlin and a successful North American summer, where she defended her title at the Canadian Open and reached the finals in Cincinnati and the US Open. Although she faltered a bit during the Asian swing, the American’s hard-court prowess and powerful baseline game make her a serious contender. As last year’s WTA Finals runner-up, Pegula will be looking to go one better this time.
### 4. Zheng Qinwen
Dubbed the wildcard of the Finals, Qinwen enters Riyadh with a season that has seen her surge in form in recent months. Following a disappointing early exit at Wimbledon, the Chinese star has since gone on a tear, achieving a record of 28 wins to 4 losses. This run includes victories at the Olympics, as well as titles in Tokyo and Palermo, a final appearance in Wuhan, and a quarterfinal finish at the US Open. While her head-to-head record against some of the field’s top players is less favorable, Qinwen’s current momentum and confidence make her a formidable threat. Her game is well-suited to the Finals’ intensity, and her debut performance could turn heads.
### 3. Coco Gauff
Choosing between Gauff and Qinwen for third place was tough, but Gauff’s experience at high-stakes events gives her a slight edge. After a challenging summer, which included an unexpected US Open exit, Gauff has found her stride again with a title at the China Open and a semifinal showing in Wuhan. Her aggressive style and big-match experience could see her outshine others at the Finals. Making her third consecutive appearance, she’s more familiar with the Finals’ unique demands and will be aiming to improve on last year’s semifinal finish.
### 2. Iga Swiatek
Swiatek’s recent momentum may not be as strong as some of her competitors, having not played since her quarterfinal loss at the US Open to Pegula, but her year has been nothing short of outstanding. The Polish star captured five titles, including her fourth Roland Garros crown, and dominated last year’s WTA Finals without dropping a set. Her partnership with new coach Wim Fissette adds an element of unpredictability, as they work to address some of the weaknesses that emerged this summer. Still, Swiatek’s record and skill make her one of the clear favorites. When she’s at her best, she is nearly unstoppable, and her experience in pressure-filled matches could give her an edge.
### 1. Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka is not only the world No. 1 but also the player with the strongest recent form, placing her at the top of the power rankings for this year’s Finals. Her season has been exceptional, highlighted by titles at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, and the US Open, as well as a third Wuhan Open title. She has consistently performed at a high level, winning or reaching the final in several tournaments, including Rome and Madrid. Sabalenka’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline play have overwhelmed many of her opponents, and if she can maintain her current level, she will be hard to beat. With a record-breaking season behind her, she heads into the Finals as the solid favorite.
The 2024 WTA Finals promise to be a thrilling conclusion to an already unforgettable season. With each player bringing unique strengths and challenges, the event in Riyadh is set to deliver a memorable showdown. Whether it will be a seasoned champion or a new star lifting the trophy, fans are in for an intense competition.