The 2025 WTA Finals are set to bring the curtain down on another unforgettable season of women’s tennis. Beginning today in Riyadh, the world’s top eight singles players will collide in a showcase of power, precision, and poise. The field is fiercely balanced, the storylines compelling, and every match promises fire. As the final stop on this marathon season, anticipation surges through the tennis world: who will rise, who will fall, and who will reign supreme? Before the battles begin, here’s everything fans need to know about the format, rules, and regulations shaping this year’s ultimate showdown.

What is the format of the WTA Finals? Everything you need to know

The WTA Finals unfold in a gripping two-phase format, where eight of the world’s best are divided into two groups of four. Each contender battles through three round-robin clashes, every victory earning three valuable points. When the margins tighten and players stand level, tiebreakers come into play, head-to-head results first, followed by matches played, then sets and games won, ensuring that every point, every rally, truly matters.

From there, the real fight begins. The top two from each group surge into the knockout rounds, where group leaders face the runners-up from the opposite pool. The victors meet in a final showdown that crowns the ultimate champion. Governed by the WTA Rulebook, the event stands as tennis’ fiercest test of endurance, strategy, and competitive fire.

What are the rules and regulations? Know the truth 

At the grand stage of the WTA Finals, the elite eight are divided into two groups of four, setting the scene for intense round-robin battles. Each player faces the others in her group across three matches, with every victory worth three points. Once the dust settles, the top two from each group move forward to the semifinals, where group winners clash with runners-up from the opposite side. If a three-way tie emerges, the verdict comes down to head-to-head results, then most sets won, and finally, most games captured.

Beyond the drama of the scoreboard lies the structure that keeps the spectacle fair and fierce. The entire tournament runs under the WTA’s official rulebook, a meticulous guide covering everything from player eligibility and conduct to anti-doping and event operations. These principles ensure that every serve, rally, and triumph in Riyadh unfold under the banner of integrity and true sporting excellence.

Are there any special provisions in this tournament? All to know

The 2025 WTA Finals arrive with special provisions that heighten the spectacle. The elite eight battle through a round-robin phase, split into two groups of four, each facing every rival in their pool. The top two advance to the semifinals, but ties bring tension. Standings hinge first on wins, then H2H records, and if three players are level, percentages of sets and games won decide their fate.

In addition, players will collect 200 ranking points for each group-stage victory, 400 points for a semifinal win, and 500 more for capturing the title, meaning a flawless five-match run could yield a maximum haul of 1,500 points.

What truly raises the stakes is the reward. The event boasts a staggering US$15.5 million prize pool, where an undefeated champion can pocket $5.235 million and a full 1,500 ranking points. With glory and gold intertwined, the Finals stand as tennis’s glittering crescendo, a stage where precision, pride, and power meet under the Riyadh lights.

The WTA Finals will be broadcast worldwide, DAZN will cover the action for fans in Saudi Arabia, Tennis Channel holds rights in the USA, Sky Sports in Great Britain, and beIN Sports in Australia. 

With Madison Keys opening the proceedings against Iga Świątek and Amanda Anisimova set to face Elena Rybakina, the stage is set for a thrilling start. But the big question remains: who will emerge victorious today?