This Week on Ground Pass: WTA Finals 2024 — Singles Preview (Riyadh)
Episode overview
Anastasia sets the table for the WTA Finals in Riyadh (2024–2026 host): what the event is, how qualification works (including the new Slam-winner top-20 rule), and quick scouting notes on each of the eight singles players. She also explains the round-robin format, the two groups (Purple & Orange), alternates, and where to watch.
Who’s playing — quick context
Aryna Sabalenka (#1): Australian Open champ, dominant U.S. summer (Cincy + US Open). Arrives aiming to finish year-end No.1.
Iga Świątek (#2): Clay queen with another Roland Garros + Rome; consistency remains elite. New coach (Wim Fissette) and skipped Asia to reset.
Coco Gauff (#3): Grit machine. Technique tweaks post-Brad Gilbert; two titles + major doubles crown; ceiling rises as serve/forehand tighten.
Jasmine Paolini (#4): 2024’s breakout—two Slam finals, a W1000 title, Olympic doubles gold; also qualified in doubles with Sara Errani.
Elena Rybakina (#5): Began the year scorching; illness/injury interruptions followed. In Riyadh with Goran Ivanišević set to coach in 2025.
Jessica Pegula (#6): New dual-coach setup (Mark Knowles/Mark McLean). Tough start, then surged: Montreal title, Cincy final, US Open final.
Zheng Qinwen (#7): AO finalist turned full-fledged top-10er; big serve, bigger attitude—brought the spice on the Asian swing.
Barbora Krejčíková (Slam qualifier): 2024 Wimbledon champ activates the new WTA rule (Slam + top-20). Dangerous indoors; doubles pedigree helps.
Groups & format
Format: Two groups of four play round-robin; top two from each advance to semifinals, then final.
Purple Group: Sabalenka, Paolini, Rybakina, Zheng.
Orange Group: Świątek, Gauff, Pegula, Krejčíková.
Alternates: Daria Kasatkina, Danielle Collins.
Where to watcH
U.S.: Tennis Channel (stream/app).
UK/Europe: Sky Sports (regional variations apply).
WTA’s site lists broadcasters worldwide (link in show notes/description on your site).
