The lineup for the 2025 WTA Finals is set, and few voices command as much authority as Martina Navratilova when analysing it. The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion has offered her sharp take on some of the elite eight heading to Riyadh, where Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek again lead the charge. She also talks about Rybakina, Paolini and Anisimova. Earlier, we begged to differ.
Sabalenka Sets the Standard
For the third consecutive year, Sabalenka and Świątek arrive as the tournament’s twin titans — but this time, the balance tilts decisively toward the Belarusian.
Navratilova, speaking to WTA.com (that’s not us 😉), was unequivocal:
“She’s the heavy favourite on any surface, but particularly on a medium-pace hard court. Her shots pay off everywhere. It’s fast enough for her to do damage and slow enough for her to prepare — she’s deadly on this stuff.”
Sabalenka’s season backs up every word. The world No. 1 holds a 59-11 record and four titles, including a successful defence of her US Open crown, beating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (3) in the final — her fourth major overall.
“She was only three or four matches from winning the Grand Slam,” Navratilova noted. “Her consistency is not to be underestimated. There are so many players who can beat you these days, you have to be switched on all the time — and she was.”
Sabalenka’s confidence has soared since her runner-up finish in 2022, followed by semi-final runs in 2023 and 2024, both ended by the eventual champion. With her power, movement and mental fortitude all aligning, she enters Riyadh as the player everyone else must solve.
Swiatek’s Enigmatic Year
Across the net stands Iga Swiatek, still the most complete player on tour when at full flow — though this year has been one of fluctuating form.
The Pole began 2025 under pressure, failing to push deep in several key events before finding her rhythm again on grass. Her Wimbledon title — her first — reminded everyone why she remains Sabalenka’s greatest rival.
“She’s a bit of an enigma this year,” Navratilova said. “She didn’t win the one everyone expected her to — Roland Garros — and then she won the one no one thought she would. Maybe the pressure was off and she just went for it.”
Swiatek’s dominant 6-0, 6-0 demolition of Anisimova in the Wimbledon final marked her sixth Grand Slam triumph and re-established her authority. Despite early exits in Asia, she arrives in Riyadh with a 61-15 record, three titles, and nearly $10 million in prize money — statistics any rival would envy.
Navratilova’s advice is simple: keep that aggression. “She flattened out her shots, didn’t worry about the odd miss — that’s what she needs in Riyadh. That should give her confidence.”
Rybakina’s Late Surge
Elena Rybakina had looked an outside bet to qualify for the Finals, but her autumn turnaround was both swift and spectacular.
Titles in Ningbo and a semi-final run in Tokyo pushed her back into the top 8, edging out rising star Mirra Andreeva at the final moment.
“When she won Wimbledon in 2022, the future looked bright,” said Navratilova. “Her game is beautiful — easy power, smooth movement, a killer serve. She can win on any surface.”
Navratilova believes the Kazakh’s variety could be her next frontier: “If I were her, I’d work on the slice more, mix in drop shots off both wings to keep opponents guessing.”
Rybakina may keep her emotions tightly wrapped, but her form in Asia suggests she will be one to watch in Riyadh.
Paolini’s Breakthrough Season
Rounding out the field is Jasmine Paolini, whose relentless consistency and attacking instincts have earned her a deserved debut at the year-end showpiece.
The Italian’s 2025 campaign featured a Rome Open title, a final in Cincinnati, and five further semi-finals — an exceptional return that lifted her into the world’s top 8.
“She’s such fun to watch,” Navratilova said. “A torpedo out there — defends, attacks, understands spins and angles. She’s like a mini Ash Barty with a smaller serve.”
Her quarter-final in Beijing and semi-finals in Wuhan and Ningbo sealed her ticket to Riyadh, capping the most consistent season of her career.
Amanda Anisimova’s Remarkable Revival
Martina Navratilova spoke with warmth and admiration about Amanda Anisimova, whose return to form in 2025 has been one of the most uplifting stories of the season.
“Oh my goodness. She has been through so much — losing her father and dealing with everything that came with that,” Navratilova said. “The expectations were big, almost like what we see now with Mirra Andreeva or Coco Gauff.”
Anisimova, once hailed as a teenage prodigy, struggled under the weight of early hype and personal tragedy. Navratilova reflected on the toll that took:
“Big things were expected of her, and she tried to grow into that. Sometimes the pressure is too much if the results don’t come when people expect them. It gets tricky. There were injuries, too.”
This season, however, everything finally clicked. Anisimova has rediscovered her rhythm, power and confidence — qualities that propelled her to the US Open final after beating Swiatek in the semis.
“Now everything just came together for her,” Navratilova said. “She’s such a nice person. She hits a heavy ball — reminds me of Lindsay Davenport. That Wimbledon loss had to sting, but she bounced back brilliantly. She hits such a clean ball; it’s a pleasure to watch. From a purist’s point of view, she’s technically superb — accurate on both wings, taking time away from opponents. If I were serving to her, I’d go body, body, body, because you don’t want to give her a free swing.”
Anisimova’s resurgence has not only re-established her among the game’s elite but also reminded the tennis world of her rare blend of precision, poise and perseverance — a testament to her resilience after years of turbulence.
Martina Navratilova Predictions
The 2025 WTA Finals field offers a compelling blend of power, finesse and evolving styles. Yet Navratilova’s conclusion is firm: Aryna Sabalenka remains the benchmark.
The rest will have to rise to meet it.
US Open Women’s Singles Champions & Finalists: Full Open Era Winners List (since 1968)
US Open Women’s Doubles Champions & Finalists: Full Open Era Winners List (since 1968)
Wimbledon Women’s Singles Champions & Finalists: Full Open Era Winners List (1968–2025)