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yesterday

WTA Finals Open in Riyadh as Swiatek Rolls Past Keys

Aryna Sabalenka arrives as the confirmed year-end No. 1, chasing a first Finals crown at a tournament with a record $15.5m purse.

Image
Tennis - WTA Finals - Riyadh - King Saud University Indoor Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 1, 2025 Poland's Iga Swiatek reacts during her round of 32 match against Madison Keys of the U.S. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Tennis - WTA Finals - King Saud University Indoor Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 8, 2024 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka in action during her women's singles semi final match against Coco Gauff of the U.S. REUTERS/Aleksandra Szmigiel/File Photo
Tennis - WTA Finals - Riyadh - King Saud University Indoor Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 1, 2025 Poland's Iga Swiatek in action during her round of 32 match against Madison Keys of the U.S. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Overview

  • Iga Swiatek began Group Serena Williams with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Madison Keys, sealing the first result of the season-ending event.
  • The eight-player field features Sabalenka, defending champion Coco Gauff, Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini and Keys in two round‑robin groups.
  • Sunday’s schedule pits Sabalenka against Paolini before Gauff faces Pegula, with Anisimova meeting Rybakina later on Saturday in the other opening group match.
  • The Finals run November 1–8 at King Saud University Indoor Arena, using the round‑robin to semi‑finals format, with an undefeated singles champion earning up to $5.235m.
  • This is the second year of a three‑year Riyadh hosting deal that brought record prize money and has drawn scrutiny over human rights concerns and previously sparse weekday crowds.