It’s not every day you see the world’s greatest athletes trade sneakers for heels, but on Friday, October 31, the WTA treated fans to exactly that.
The organization lit up Instagram with a jaw-dropping group shot of the top eight women in singles, posed at the Bab AlSaad Resort in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. Caption: “The best in the world ✨”— and they weren’t kidding.
Dressed in red, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka looked every bit the powerhouse she’s been all season, entering the Finals after a run that’s kept her at the top of the rankings. Coco Gauff followed in custom Miu Miu, bringing the same confidence that made her the youngest American to win a major since Serena Williams. Iga Świątek wore a bespoke gown by Saudi designers Sarah and Siham Albinali of Lurline, fresh off her latest Grand Slam title.
Elena Rybakina — the 2022 Wimbledon champion and one of the tour’s biggest servers — made a statement in a mocha-brown halter gown as Madison Keys, fresh off her first Australian Open title, showed up in a sleeveless olive dress.
Not to be outdone, Jessica Pegula, who finished another top-five season, wore a rust velvet off-shoulder gown, while Amanda Anisimova stepped out in a pale mint dress after a comeback season that included two Slam finals. Last but not least, Jasmine Paolini stunned in a full-length champagne sequin gown after a breakout year that saw her push for major titles.
On the court, things are heating up. Świątek started strong but ultimately fell to Rybakina, who has now secured a semifinal spot. Sabalenka is holding steady in her group, and Pegula’s win over fellow American Gauff showed just how stacked Team USA is this year.
Next up, Świątek and Anisimova battle for the second semifinal berth in their group, while Sabalenka and Pegula headline a key showdown in theirs. The Finals run all week, with the top two from each group moving on to the semis this weekend.