Overview
- Martina Navratilova highlights Gauff’s perfect nine-for-nine record in hard‑court finals, rating her backhand comparable to Novak Djokovic’s and calling the serve a potential weapon.
- Gauff enters Riyadh as the reigning champion and the No. 3 seed, seeking a rare back‑to‑back title at the season finale.
- Her 2025 resume includes a Roland Garros triumph over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and an October title at the Wuhan Open.
- Performance coach Gavin MacMillan outlines a serve rebuild focused on establishing a fully trusted kick serve before elevating first‑serve pace and spin.
- The Elite 8 field is complete with Elena Rybakina clinching the final spot, play begins November 1 in Riyadh, and no woman has defended the title since Serena Williams in 2014.