For three consecutive years, Jessica Pegula has made it to the WTA Finals editions, and with ease. After a trip to the final in 2023, she had the season of her career last year– 15 wins in 17 matches across three events by September. It is the momentum she thrived on, something she desperately needs for the last leg this season.

With the last WTA 1000 event in place, Pegula still finds herself in the race to Riyadh. She has enjoyed a good season, capturing three titles (Bad Homburg, Charleston, Austin) and reaching two finals (Miami and Adelaide), yet it hasn’t been enough to qualify for the 2025 WTA Finals. With three more spots up for grabs, Wuhan offers the perfect opportunity for Pegula to keep her streak going. But she is forced to navigate one of the tightest points battles.

Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva could dictate the American star’s destiny with every match and every set. 

Entering Wuhan, she is ranked no.7 with 4,309 points, right below Pegula. The 31-year-old sits 5th with 4,598 points, next in line to clinch the qualification. But the competition in the race isn’t going to make it easy. Pegula needs to ensure she advances to the semifinals and beyond. Anything less while Andreeva or the rest rush ahead could spell trouble for the American. 

Elena Rybakina (3,806), Jasmine Paolini (3,741 points), and Ekaterina Alexandrova (3,136 points) are the challengers Pegula faces in Wuhan. Here’s the point system that adds to the case:

• The champion — 1000 points
• Runner Up — 650 points
• Semifinalists — 390 points
• Quarterfinalists — 215 points

Pegula is coming off a rather decent momentum. She advanced to the semi-finals in both of her last two events: the US Open and the Beijing Open. That’s nine wins of 11 matches, a right sign for someone who says “I always play well when I have a lot of matches under my belt.” But that might not be the only advantage.

The also holds the adoration of the Chinese crowd. “I’ve definitely noticed it a lot this year,” she noted her popularity in the country late last month. “Now I have a nickname.” 

Looking ahead, Pegula now turns her attention to the Wuhan Open, beginning tomorrow. With a tough first-round matchup against a fellow American Hailey Baptiste, every point will be crucial as she looks to solidify her WTA Finals qualification and find her place among the season’s elite. 

UPDATE: Jess Pegula beat her fellow American, Baptise, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (6) on her seventh match point to reach the third round. She will play ninth-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova, who beat American Ann Li 7-6 (5), 6-2 next.

Mirra Andreeva was handed disappointment by Laura Siegemund in a three-hour long 7-6(4), 3-6, 3-6 battle. 

The showdown at Riyadh screams ‘thrilling’

The 2025 WTA Finals is already set for a strong American representation. Coco Gauff has been the torchbearer, amassing 5,574 points in the WTA Live Race and leading the charge with consistency and flair. Madison Keys secured her spot early in the season after her AO win, maintaining momentum with semifinal runs in London and Indian Wells. She currently ranks No.6 in the WTA rankings with a confirmed ticket to Riyadh. 

Amanda Anisimova, on the other hand, has crafted one of her most remarkable campaigns to date. She has reached back-to-back Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, while also capturing her first WTA 1000 title in Doha. Her surge reflects both resilience and growth, positioning her as a formidable contender heading into the season finale.

Anisimova’s ongoing journey in Beijing at the China Open has only added to the intrigue. Rallying from a set down, she defeated sixth seed Jasmine Paolini 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-4 in the QF, sealing her maiden WTA Finals qualification before claiming the tournament title. The American now sits at No. 3 in the WTA rankings with 5,908 points. 

The three join a star-studded lineup featuring Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek.