Tight Race for Final WTA Finals Spots Heats Up in Asia
NINGBO, CHINA – The battle for the final two qualifying spots at the upcoming WTA Finals is reaching a critical juncture as players compete in Ningbo and Tokyo this week. With six players already locked in, the focus is squarely on Jasmine Paolini, Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva, and a cluster of alternates vying for a place in the season-ending championship. The stakes are high: a coveted spot amongst the tour’s elite and a chance to compete for the Billie Jean King Trophy.
The race is especially complex due to potential scenarios involving Elena rybakina’s performance.Currently, Andreeva holds the eighth spot with 4,283 race points, while Paolini sits ninth at 4,131. Rybakina trails closely behind in tenth with 3,913 points. A first-round loss for Rybakina would automatically qualify Andreeva. However, Rybakina cannot currently qualify this week and would need to reach at least the semifinals to earn additional points. A title run for Rybakina could move her ahead of Paolini,but she would still remain behind Andreeva.
Jasmine Paolini aims to solidify her position as she competes as the No.2 seed in Ningbo, opening against either Veronika Kudermetova or Zhang Shuai. Another semifinal appearance-provided it’s not against Rybakina-would likely secure her qualification, while reaching the final would guarantee it. Rybakina, seeded No. 3 in the same tournament, faces the winner of Victoria Mboko and Dayana Yastremska.
Beyond these three, the alternate race is equally compelling. Ekaterina Alexandrova (3,158 points) is in a strong position to secure the first alternate spot, playing both Ningbo and Tokyo. Clara Tauson (2,770 points) is also scheduled for both events and will begin her Ningbo campaign against qualifier Ajla Tomljanovic. Belinda Bencic (2,469 points) has risen in the rankings following injuries to Elina Svitolina and Emma Navarro and will need strong results-likely back-to-back finals and a title-to contend for an alternate position, starting as the No. 6 seed in Ningbo against Magda Linette.Alexandrova,at age 30,recently made her Top 10 debut,becoming the third-oldest player to do so,trailing only Roberta Vinci (33) and Betty Stove (31).
