Battle on the cards for world No 1 Muguruza at WTA Finals Singapore

SINGAPORE – The world’s top five women’s tennis players have secured their spots at the US$7 million (S$9.5 million) WTA Finals Singapore, with Simona Halep, Karolina Pliskova, Elina Svitolina, and Venus Williams set to join world No 1 Garbine Muguruza in the prestigious tournament next month.

Halep, the world No 2, will be looking to make her fourth appearance in Singapore count. The Romanian, who is a favourite among fans here, has never won the title despite coming close in her debut in 2014, where she defeated then-world No 1 Serena Williams in the group stage before losing out to the American in their rematch in the singles final.

Pliskova will be back in Singapore for the second consecutive year after competing in the singles and doubles with Julia Goerges last year. The 25-year-old from Czech Republic – who was briefly crowned the world No 1 in July – has had an good run this season, winning three WTA singles titles at the Brisbane International, Qatar Total Open, and the Aegon International Eastbourne in the United Kingdom.

Of the five who have earned their tickets to Singapore, Ukrainian Svitolina is the only player making her debut at the Indoor Stadium after clinching five WTA singles titles this season. The 23-year-old also broke into the top five of the women’s world rankings after qualifying for the quarterfinals of the French Open in June.

Veteran player Williams will be looking to cap off a successful 2017 season by lifting the Billie Jean King Trophy in Singapore. The 37-year-old will be making her fifth appearance at the WTA Finals – and her first in Singapore – and she will be looking to add to the title she won in 2008 in Doha. Williams, the older sister of former world No 1 Serena – who gave birth to a baby girl last month – made a return to the WTA’s top five rankings after reaching two Grand Slam finals, and qualifying for the semi-finals of the US Open in Flushing Meadows.

“Congratulations to Simona, Karolina, Elina and Venus on qualifying for the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global,” said Steve Simon, WTA chief executive officer and chairman.

“Each of these players has had incredible seasons, positioning themselves for the opportunity to compete at the year-end finale and hold the prestigious Billie Jean King Trophy. We look forward to seeing them all in Singapore.”

With the five women’s players earning their places in the season-ending WTA Finals, only three spots to the Oct 22 to 29 event remain up for grabs. The doubles competition will also see the top eight pairs competing for the Martina Navratilova Doubles Trophy, with Elena Vesnina/Ekaterina Makarova, Martina Hingis/Chan Yung-Jan, Ashleigh Barty/Casey Dellacqua and Lucie Hradecka/ Katerina Siniakova securing their spots.

Visit www.WTAFinals.com to purchase tickets to the tournament.