WTA Finals: Players Ace Evening Wear
The WTA Finals players stepped out in high-fashion the day before competition got underway.
The WTA Finals are underway in Riyadh. But before the top players took to the court, they graced the red carpet in a pre-tournament gala. Players get dolled up and struck a pose for the annual players’ portrait.
This is one of the best pictures of the WTA Finals group ever. Everyone is in evening wear with a polished look. In the past, we’ve seen a hodgepodge of outfits, from high-fashion to TJ Max, off the rack.
I remember in 2013 when Petra Kvitova showed up in a red satin dress similar to Serena Williams. It created a “who wore it best” moment. However, there was no competition. Despite being ten years younger, Petra looked ten years older, primarily due to styling that included an odd black granny collar around her neck and chunky black sandals. Serena stepped out in leopard-print pumps.
Poor Petra. Imagine how horrible it must have felt to be an attractive 6-foot-tall athlete in her 20s made to look like a middle-aged politician. She probably burned those photos.
This year, all the players looked amazing. The dresses, hair, makeup, and accessories were all on point. Aryna Sabalenka stunned in Christopher Esber, bringing edge and elegance with sleek lines and a daring off-the-shoulder gown. Coco Gauff turned heads in a glamorous lavender Yousef Akbar design, embracing local fashion with flair.
Elena Rybakina glowed in Elie Saab, radiating sophistication in a $3,320 jumper that brought couture vibes to the desert. Jasmine Paolini’s Bruno Cucinelli ensemble was all about refined luxury and effortlessly chic.
Zheng Qinwen’s Christian Dior look added a touch of Parisian elegance, blending high fashion with tennis star power. These ladies showed that they’re aces both on and off the court.
The tournament starts today. The Saudis are offering a record $15 million in prize money. If undefeated, the winner can take home $5 million, the highest purse ever for a tour-sanctioned event.
Note: Six Kings Slam offered $6 million, but the ATP Tour did not sanction that event.