Which bubble player is most likely to qualify for the WTA Finals?

Our Tennis Channel analysts set the table for an intriguing finish to an exciting season.

Published Oct 14, 2025

“Every changeover, I take the ice sausage,” said Paolini, referring to the towels the players drape over their shoulders.

With the final month of the 2025 season fast approaching, the Tennis Channel team takes a look at the growing ATP and WTA Finals fields and make their expert picks on who has the most to prove, which players on the bubble are most likely to qualify, and which of the men’s and women’s year-end championships will be more exciting.

Monday: Which ATP Player has the most to prove before Turin?
Tuesday: Which WTA Player has the most to prove before Riyadh?
Wednesday: Which ATP Player on the bubble is most likely to qualify for Turin?

Next up: Which WTA Player on the bubble of the Top 8 is most likely to qualify for Riyadh?

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HIGHLIGHTS: Jasmine Paolini gets first win over Iga Swiatek in emphatic fashion | 2025 Wuhan QF

CHANDA RUBIN

Elena Rybakina had couple of good wins this week and had the slight edge over Jasmine Paolini in points going into the Wuhan QF, but fell behind after the former Wimbledon champion lost to Aryna Sabalenka. Still, she’s playing some tournaments before Riyadh. Combine that with her late-year momentum could give Rybakina the edge in the end.

PAUL ANNACONE

I’m looking for Elena Rybakina to finish strong and qualify. With that huge weapon of a serve and the easy points she gets because of it, it doesn’t take a lot for her to get on a roll.

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Rybakina currently trails Paolini by just over 200 points, but is entered to play the WTA 500 event in Ningbo this week.

STEVE WEISSMAN

Jasmine Paolini has lost to the eventual champ in two of her last three events and leapfrogged Elena Rybakina for the final spot in Riyadh after stunning Iga Swiatek in Wuhan. She has the game and spirit to reach the WTA Finals for the second straight year.

BRETT HABER

Elena Rybakina’s results have stabilized in the second half of the year, largely since her coaching situation got ironed out. This time last year she took a break from the tour; there’s a completely different energy a year later. She had a very strong hardcourt summer with three straight semifinals in D.C., Montréal, and Cincinnati. I expect her to make the field in Riyadh.

JON WERTHEIM

Elena Rybakina remains the WTAs mystery woman. Notionally in the prime of her career, she is too good not be among the best in the world.

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