The roster for the WTA Finals in Fort Worth has been finalized. Maria Sakkari claimed the eighth and final slot in the year-end championships after a grueling quarterfinal battle against Veronika Kudermetova during the Guadalajara Open. The competition, now in its 51st year, will take place at Texas's Dickies Arena. Fort Worth is the fifth city in the United States to host the tournament, marking the first time the finals have returned to U.S. soil since the 2005 event in Los Angeles.
Here is a closer look at the top five singles players set to compete in this year's finals in Fort Worth.
At the top of the list is Iga Swiatek, who has completely dominated the women's circuit in 2022. Having secured her spot months in advance, the world number one has been in a league of her own. The 21-year-old's season was highlighted by a stunning 37-match winning streak and championships at the US Open and Roland Garros. She also proved her versatility by winning both Indian Wells and Miami, completing the coveted Sunshine Double.
Next up is Tunisia's Ons Jabeur. This year, Jabeur reached a career-high ranking of world number two, picking up her first WTA 1000 trophy in Madrid along with a win in Berlin. The 28-year-old also proved her elite status by reaching the finals of both the US Open and Wimbledon. Jabeur arrives in Fort Worth hoping to add another historic milestone to her career.
Taking the third spot is American Jessica Pegula. While she hasn't captured a tournament title this year, Pegula's qualification is a testament to her incredible consistency throughout 2022. It has been the best season of her career; the 28-year-old reached the quarterfinals in three of the four Grand Slams—the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open. Additionally, she made it to her first two WTA 1000 finals in Guadalajara and Madrid.
In fourth place is the teenage sensation from the US, Coco Gauff. Gauff's breakthrough year saw her reach her first Grand Slam singles final at Roland Garros and climb into the Top 10 for the first time. At just 18, she is the youngest player to qualify for the WTA Finals since 2005. Although she hasn't won a title this season, she's looking to turn her impressive growth on the court into a tangible trophy.
Finally, we have France's Caroline Garcia. Garcia's ascent this year has been remarkable, starting the season ranked outside the Top 70. However, three titles—including a major win at the Cincy Masters—propelled her into the finals. She also achieved a personal milestone by reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open.