The 2024 WTA Finals are set to start on November 2nd in Riyadh, bringing together the year’s top eight female tennis players for an intense season finale. The tournament, scheduled for November 2-9, promises high-stakes competition, with Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek both vying not only for the title but also the coveted year-end No. 1 ranking.
The tournament’s draw resulted in two competitive groups: the Purple Group and the Orange Group. Each group brings its own mix of experienced contenders and eager debutants, ready to make their mark in this prestigious event.
Purple Group: Sabalenka Holds Edge, Rybakina Stands as Wild Card
The Purple Group features world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, along with Jasmine Paolini, Elena Rybakina, and newcomer Qinwen Zheng. Sabalenka may feel optimistic about her placement, as she’s often performed well against both Paolini and Zheng, both of whom are debuting at the Finals. However, Rybakina’s record against Sabalenka makes her a key figure to watch. The Kazakh player has historically posed challenges for Sabalenka, which adds an intriguing layer of competition, especially if court speed favors Rybakina’s game. The Purple Group will likely see Sabalenka as the frontrunner, with Rybakina and Zheng contending for a coveted semifinal spot.
Orange group: Swiatek faces tough competition from Gauff and Pegula
The Orange Group hosts No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek, who will contend with Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Barbora Krejcikova. This group may prove challenging for Swiatek, especially if the court in Riyadh plays faster than expected. Swiatek’s preparation remains unclear, and the draw hasn’t worked in her favor, placing her alongside Gauff and Pegula, both strong competitors in hardcourt events. Pegula and Gauff could emerge as the primary candidates to advance if Swiatek struggles to adapt. Krejcikova, while not currently at her peak, could still pose a threat if she finds her rhythm.
The WTA Finals 2024 promises a captivating close to the season, as the world’s top players battle not only for victory in Riyadh but also for a shot at claiming the year-end No. 1 position. With the action set to unfold under unfamiliar indoor conditions, the stage is set for high drama and intense competition.
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
Currently ranked no.1, Sabalenka played her last match on the 13th of October when she overcame world no.7 Qinwen Zheng 6-3 5-7 6-3 in the final in Wuhan to win her 17th career title.
This season Aryna has managed to achieve an overall 54-12 win-loss record. Aryna has won 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. Sabalenka was the runner-up in Brisbane, Madrid and Rome.
Aryna Sabalenka will face the world no.450 Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday at 6:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their current head to head is 3-2 for Kvitova.
The Belarussian has won 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. Sabalenka was the runner-up in Brisbane (Brisbane International), in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
The Belarussian won 17 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Iga Swiatek in 2024
At the moment ranked no.2, Swiatek played her last match on the 4th of September when she lost to world no.6 Jessica Pegula 6-2 6-4
in the quarter of the U.S. Open (draw).During this season Swiatek achieved a 59-8 win-loss record. Swiatek clinched 6 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and French Open.
Iga Swiatek will play the world no.13 Barbora Krejcikova in the Round Robin. Their record is 2-2.
The Pole conquered 6 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and French Open.
Swiatek won 23 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts and 10 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek squared off 12 times. Their record is 8-4
for Swiatek. Before, the last time they played each other, Aryna Sabalenka won 6-3 6-3 in the semifinal in Cincinnati (Western & Southern Open) on the 18th of August 2024.You can watch the highlights in the following video.
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
At the moment ranked no.1, Aryna played her last match on the 13th of October when she beat world no.7 Qinwen Zheng 6-3 5-7 6-3 in the final in Wuhan to win her 17th career title.
Until now, during this year the Belarussian has achieved a 54-12 match record. The Belarussian has won 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. The Belarussian reached the final in Brisbane, Madrid and Rome.
Aryna Sabalenka will fight against the world no.450 Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday at 6:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their head to head is 3-2 for Kvitova.
The Belarussian has won 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. Aryna got to the final in Brisbane (Brisbane International), in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
The Belarussian won 17 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Iga Swiatek in 2024
Now ranked no.2, the Pole played her last match on the 4th of September when she surrendered to world no.6 Jessica Pegula 6-2 6-4 in the quarter of the U.S. Open (draw).
At present, during this year the Pole has achieved an overall 59-8 win-loss record. Iga clinched 6 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and French Open.
Iga Swiatek will square off with the world no.13 Barbora Krejcikova in the Round Robin. Their current record is 2-2.
Swiatek conquered 6 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and French Open.
Iga won 23 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts and 10 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek clashed against each other 12 times. Their head to head is 8-4 for Swiatek. Previously, the last time they fought against each other, Aryna Sabalenka won 6-3 6-3 in the semifinal in Cincinnati (Western & Southern Open) on the 18th of August 2024.
Here are the highlights.
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek |
| Embed from Getty Images |