Tight Race Continues for Final WTA Finals Spots in Riyadh

WUHAN, China (AP) — As the WTA season approaches its end, the competition heats up for the final two singles spots at the PIF WTA Finals in Riyadh. Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini, and Elena Rybakina are in a tight race, separated by just 407 points in the WTA Race standings.

Andreeva, the top seed at the ongoing AUX Ningbo Open, is looking to secure her place as she competes for crucial points. The tournament, starting Monday, offers 500 points to the winner. All three players are expected to play in Ningbo, making this event even more significant.

Jessica Pegula has already qualified for the year-end championships, thanks to her recent win over Katerina Siniakova in Wuhan. This marks Pegula’s fourth consecutive appearance at the WTA Finals, joining other elite players like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.

Andreeva, 18, has had a strong season with a record of 40 wins and 15 losses, including two titles. However, her form has dipped recently, going 4-4 since Wimbledon. A win in Ningbo would guarantee her qualification.

Paolini has also been a contender. After a semifinal finish in Wuhan, she is seeded No. 2 in Ningbo and needs at least a semifinal appearance to continue her chase for a Riyadh spot. She faces either Veronika Kudermetova or Zhang Shuai in her opening match.

Meanwhile, Rybakina’s path is less certain. Seated No. 3 in Ningbo, Rybakina needs to advance to the semifinals to gain more race points. Her recent back-to-back losses in earlier tournaments have complicated her bid for a top-eight finish.

As the competition unfolds, players like Ekaterina Alexandrova and Clara Tauson are also vying for alternate positions, emphasizing how tightly packed the standings are as the end of the season draws near.