The WTA Finals draw, featuring Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Iga Świątek, and others, left fans noting that some players appear to have an advantage while others do not. The players will take the court in Riyadh following their respective Asian hard-court stints.
Aryna Sabalenka, the top-ranked player on the WTA, was the first to be added to the elite year-end Championships list after her Wimbledon quarterfinals win. Swiatek was the next one to secure a place after she reached the Cincinnati Open finals, and Coco Gauff followed suit after her fourth-round victory at the China Open.
Amanda Anisimova will enter as a debutant, while Madison Keys will make her first appearance since 2016. The teams have been divided into two groups, led by Steffi Graf and Serena Williams. WTA Finals has released the women's draw, and it goes as follows:
Steffi Graf Group
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Coco Gauff
- Jessica Pegula
- Jasmine Paolini
Serena Williams Group
- Iga Swiatek
- Amanda Anisimova
- Elena Rybakina
- Madison Keys
Fans reacted to the draw, some feeling like Aryna Sabalenka had been given an edge, while others wondered if the women's draw was also set up hastily like the men's.
"As usual, Aryna is lucky. In Iga's group, there are only strong hitters."As usual, Aryna is lucky. In Iga's group, there are only strong hitters.
Another fan spoke in the same line, sharing that the Belarusian's opponents, who can take her out, are all on Swiatek's team.
"Of course, another rigged draw, all three sharpshooter-type players, who can easily hit harder and more accurately than Aryna, went to Iga. Aryna got Coco, the topspin player with no forehand, Peggy Heineken, who chokes every important match, and Jasminka Forza Pusholini..."Of course, another rigged draw, all three sharpshooter-type players, who can easily hit harder and more accurately than Aryna, went to Iga. Aryna got Coco, the topspin player with no forehand, Peggy Heineken, who chokes every important match, and Jasminka Forza Pusholini...
Another X user was displeased with the distribution, commenting:
"Iga has all big hitters - crazy draw"Iga has all big hitters - crazy draw
Here are some other reactions:
"Iga is cooked, she will be facing ball bashers," a fan commented. "My God, what a bad group," a fan tweeted.Aryna Sabalenka issued a strong statement through her attire as she reached Riyadh for the WTA Finals
Sabalenka at the 2025 French Open - Previews - Source: GettySabalenka had a stellar 2025 campaign, racking up titles at the Miami Open and Madrid Open, while reaching the French Open final and the Wimbledon semifinals. She became the first woman to win back-to-back US Open titles since Serena Williams in 2014. As she landed in Riyadh for the WTA Finals, the Belarusian sported a hat promoting women’s sports, with a bold message written on it.
"Everyone Watches Women's Sports"Sabalenka will reportedly lose points for skipping important WTA 500 tournaments this year. Iga Swiatek will also face the same fate.
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Edited by Agnijeeta Majumder

9 hours ago
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English (US)