Coco Gauff’s quest to defend her WTA Finals crown in Riyadh won’t come easy this year. The American star is set to face a stacked field featuring Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and rising star Amanda Anisimova, making the 2025 edition one of the most competitive lineups in recent years.
Gauff, who lifted the prestigious trophy in Riyadh last year after an unforgettable run, returns as the defending champion — a title she carries with both pride and humility. Speaking ahead of the tournament, the 21-year-old acknowledged the difficulty of repeating such a feat.
“I know it’s been a long time since anyone defended, so it’s like, OK, I hope I’m that person,” Gauff said with a smile. “But if not, whatever. When you’re playing this tournament, your expectations — at least for me — aren’t that high because you’re playing the top eight in the world.”
With power hitters like Sabalenka and Swiatek in the draw, and the consistency of Pegula alongside the unpredictable flair of Anisimova, Gauff will need to summon her very best from the opening match.
Last season, Gauff’s thrilling victory over Zheng Qinwen in the final — where she came back from the brink to win in three tight sets — marked a defining moment in her young career. This time, she’s not just chasing another trophy; she’s fighting to prove that her dominance in women’s tennis is no coincidence.
As the action unfolds in Riyadh, all eyes will be on Gauff to see if she can once again rise above the world’s best and become the first player in years to successfully defend the WTA Finals title.
