Sabalenka and Gauff advance first, while Zheng Qinwen and Paolini battle for the remaining spot.
After the first two rounds of the 2024 WTA Finals, Sabalenka and Gauff have already secured their spots in the semifinals, while Rybakina and Pegula were eliminated early. In the Purple Group, the final qualifying spot will be decided between Zheng Qinwen and Paolini, while the battle for the last berth in the Orange Group will unfold between Swiatek and Kvitova.
Last night, in the second round of the Orange Group's group stage, No. 3 seed Gauff defeated defending champion and No. 2 seed Swiatek 6-3, 6-4, earning her second win in their 13-match rivalry. With this victory, Gauff secured top spot in the group after two straight wins, advancing as the first qualifier (seeding still to be determined), and clinched her spot in the year-end semifinals for the second consecutive year.
The qualification situation for the Purple Group is already very clear—either Zheng Qinwen or Paolini will advance, depending on who wins. As for the Orange Group, the scenario is more complicated, with the following progression:
Gauff defeats Kvitova, Swiatek tops Pegula. Gauff advances as group winner, while Swiatek secures second place in the group.
Gao Fu defeats Kvitova, and Pegula upsets Swiatek. Gao Fu advances as group winner, while Kvitova secures second place in the group.
Krejcikova defeats Gauff 2-0; as a result, Krejcikova advances as Group 1 winner, while Gauff secures second place in the group. Swiatek is eliminated regardless of her match outcome. Krejcikova defeats Gauff 2-1; Gauff advances as group winner, while Krejcikova secures second place. Swiatek is eliminated regardless of her result.
Tonight will see the final round of group-stage matches in the 2024 WTA Finals' Purple Group, featuring Zheng Qinwen against Paolini, and Sabalenka against Rybakina. Zheng Qinwen and Paolini will battle for the last spot advancing from the Purple Group, while Rybakina will be fighting for pride.
