If the WTA Finals started today, here's who's in, on the bubble, and outside looking in. The top seven players in the Race Leaderboard automatically qualify, while the eighth spot goes to the highest-ranked Grand Slam champion of the year that is ranked No. 8-20 in the race and isn't already qualified. Here's the current picture:
In:
1. Mirra Andreeva (4,999 points) - The World No. 5 with a strong season, including a Grand Slam win in Paris.
2. Aryna Sabalenka (4,945 points) - The World No. 1 with three titles, including the Sunshine Double.
3. Elena Rybakina (4,627 points) - Recently won the Australian Open and has deep runs in tournaments.
4. Karolina Muchova (4,270 points) - Having a career-best season, with two titles and a Wimbledon final.
5. Elina Svitolina (4,116 points) - Consistent on hard and clay courts, with multiple tournament wins.
6. Jessica Pegula (3,950 points) - Nearly secured titles on all surfaces, with deep runs in several tournaments.
7. Linda Noskova (3,674 points) - First Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, with a strong season overall.
On the bubble:
8. Coco Gauff (3,484 points) - Close to the top seven, with strong performances in multiple tournaments.
9. Marta Kostyuk (3,275 points) - Back-to-back Grand Slam semifinals, but needs to handle the switch to hard courts.
10. Victoria Mboko (2,393 points) - Three finals this year, but sidelined due to injury.
Outside looking in:
11. Sorana Cirstea (2,045 points) - Consistent all year, with a career-high rank of No. 17.
12. Iga Swiatek (1,954 points) - Six-time Grand Slam champion, with a chance to win in New York.
13. Iva Jovic (1,862 points)
14. Belinda Bencic (1,852 points)
15. Diana Shnaider (1,685 points)
16. Madison Keys (1,684 points)
17. Elise Mertens (1,600 points)
18. Naomi Osaka (1,527 points)
19. Amanda Anisimova (1,498 points)
20. Anna Kalinskaya (1,490 points)
The WTA Finals are shaping up to be an exciting race, with many players in contention for the top spots.
