The conclusion of the WTA Finals marks the end of the 2025 season. Over the next few days, we’ll reflect on the past ten months. For now, we celebrate an incredible week in Riyadh, featuring Elena Rybakina’s first WTA Finals title and a second doubles championship for Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens.
Besides the champions, the event showcased thrilling matches, emotional moments, and delightful surprises.
The MVP
Elena Rybakina undoubtedly takes the MVP award. With her powerful serve, the best on the Hologic WTA Tour this season, the 26-year-old achieved five decisive wins, securing her biggest title since Wimbledon three years ago. Remarkably, she triumphed over four opponents with higher seeds, except for Ekaterina Alexandrova, who stepped in as an alternate. Rybakina’s flawless performance in Riyadh earned her $5.235 million, the highest prize in women’s sports history.
Throughout the week, she lost just two sets, defeating World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the group stage and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final, where she won a crucial second-set tiebreak 7-0 for the Billie Jean King trophy. A perfect conclusion to her outstanding week.
The Biggest Surprise
Rybakina not only became the MVP but also the biggest surprise. Her unexpected title followed an impressive late-season resurgence. Most of the season, it appeared Mirra Andreeva would comfortably secure one of the eight slots in Riyadh. However, Rybakina surged during the Asian swing, winning six critical matches — including a title in Ningbo — to outpace Andreeva and clinch her spot just a week before the tournament. Despite being an underdog in four of her five matches, she finished the season with 11 consecutive wins, excluding her walkover in Tokyo.
The Most Heartfelt Moment
Post-match interviews can be particularly emotional following a loss. After Timea Babos and Luisa Stefani fell in the doubles final, Babos shared the heartfelt story of their unlikely partnership, revealing in tears that it might be the end for their team. “I’m very thankful for you and everything we have achieved,” Babos told Stefani during the trophy presentation. “It looks like we’re not going to continue, but I’m so happy we made it to another final.” Her emotional connection with Stefani and love for the sport was truly poignant.
The Best Match
A standout match was Aryna Sabalenka’s 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals. Both players matched each other’s intensity in a thrilling rematch of the US Open final. The fierce competition was apparent from the start, as they accumulated 30 points in just the first two games. The match required an hour and 94 points to complete the first set, and after splitting the first two sets, Sabalenka steadied herself to secure a spot in the final.
The Best Point
While known for her power, Sabalenka displayed impressive finesse during a pivotal moment. Serving at 2-all, 0-15 in the final set against Pegula, she engaged in an intense rally and executed a backhand that caught the line, leaving Pegula in disbelief. It was a signature Sabalenka moment, showcasing her incredible skill.
The Best Quote
Pegula remarked after her loss to Sabalenka: “I do think we have really great matches. I wish I won more… Whenever we play, it seems we bring out the best in each other.” This reflection encapsulates the spirit of competition, as she acknowledged the intensity of their rivalry.
