All articles tagged with #wta finals
Aryna Sabalenka, after losing to Elena Rybakina in the WTA Finals final, was visibly upset, sitting with her team and showing signs of frustration, highlighting her competitive nature and the ongoing challenge to secure missing major titles despite her recent successes.
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the WTA Finals final, winning a record-breaking $5.235 million prize and her biggest title since Wimbledon 2022, while Sabalenka, despite losing, set a new season earnings record and expressed emotional disappointment after her loss.
Elena Rybakina won the WTA Finals in Riyadh, defeating Aryna Sabalenka and earning a record $5.235 million prize, the biggest in women's tennis history, as part of Saudi Arabia's record-breaking prize money for the event.
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova in a semi-final at the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh to reach the final, where she will face Elena Rybakina, who came from a set down to beat Jessica Pegula. Sabalenka described her win as great preparation for the final, and both players showcased high-quality tennis in their semi-finals.
Iga Swiatek was criticized for her comments after losing to Amanda Anisimova at the WTA Finals, where she expressed frustration and suggested karma might be involved, leading fans to accuse her of being a sore loser and lacking sportsmanship. The incident highlights ongoing debates about humility and conduct in professional tennis.
Amanda Anisimova defeated Iga Swiatek in three sets to advance to the semi-finals of the WTA Finals, joining Elena Rybakina who also secured her spot with a win. Rybakina continues her impressive winning streak, while Swiatek's loss marks a setback in their 2025 rivalry. The tournament features top players competing for a prize pool of $15.5 million in Riyadh.
Coco Gauff secured her place in the WTA Finals by defeating Jasmine Paolini in straight sets, showcasing improved consistency and confidence after an initial loss, and positioning herself for the upcoming match against Aryna Sabalenka.
Aryna Sabalenka dominated her match at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, beating Jasmine Paolini, while Coco Gauff struggled and lost to Jessica Pegula, highlighting contrasting fortunes for the top players in the tournament.
Iga Swiatek reached the Cincinnati Open final by defeating Elena Rybakina, and will face Jasmine Paolini in a rematch of last year's French Open final. Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, is preparing for a tough match against Paolini, who advanced after beating Veronika Kudermetova. The final is scheduled for Monday night.
Tennis Channel analyst Jon Wertheim was removed from on-air duties after making a derogatory comment about Barbora Krejcikova's forehead during a rehearsal that inadvertently aired live. Wertheim apologized for the unprofessional remark, acknowledging his accountability. The Tennis Channel also apologized to Krejcikova, who emphasized the need for respect and professionalism in sports media.
The Tennis Channel has indefinitely removed analyst Jon Wertheim after he made an off-air, disparaging comment about tennis player Barbora Krejčíková's forehead, which inadvertently aired. Wertheim apologized for the "deeply regrettable" remark, acknowledging it was unprofessional. Krejčíková criticized the comment for focusing on her appearance rather than her performance, calling for more respect in sports media. The Tennis Channel also apologized to Krejčíková and emphasized its commitment to maintaining respectfulness among its employees.
Coco Gauff triumphed over Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling match to win the WTA Finals title in Riyadh, marking her as the youngest American champion since Serena Williams. The match, held in Saudi Arabia, was a significant event for the WTA, despite controversies surrounding the tournament's location. Gauff's victory came after a tense three-set battle, showcasing her resilience and athleticism. This win caps off a remarkable season for Gauff, who has been rising rapidly in the tennis world.
Coco Gauff, a 20-year-old American tennis player, defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals of the WTA Finals, becoming the youngest player since 2010 to reach the tournament's final. Gauff won the match 7-6 (4), 6-3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will face China's Zheng Qinwen for the title. This achievement makes Gauff the youngest player to beat the reigning world No. 1 at the WTA Finals since Maria Sharapova in 2004.
The WTA Finals will be held in Saudi Arabia for the next three years, with a prize money commitment of $15.25 million in 2024. The decision has sparked controversy due to Saudi Arabia's human rights record, including repressive laws against women and LGBTQ+ individuals. While some prominent figures in tennis have criticized the move, the WTA emphasizes the potential for positive impact on women's tennis in the region. The deal reflects Saudi Arabia's efforts to become a major destination for international sports and signals a shift towards hosting official tennis events.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has been chosen to host the WTA Finals from 2024-2026, with a record prize money of $15.25 million in 2024 and plans for further increases in 2025 and 2026. The partnership aims to support the growth of women's tennis and the global fanbase, as well as promote the development of tennis at grassroots levels in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Tennis Federation's commitment to growing the sport, particularly among young girls, has been highlighted, with the aim of inspiring future generations of players and celebrating women's tennis.