The 2026 WTA Finals are halfway completed, and the stars of the singles tournament are trying to catch up with Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, who is 2-0 in round-robin action. Noskova qualified for the semifinals on Tuesday with a straight set win over Coco Gauff.
Gauff, who is 1-1 at the WTA Finals, spoke candidly about the scenarios which will either allow her to advance or be eliminated from the tournament. Because it is round-robin, match wins and sets won, even in defeat, matter.
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When discussing the scenarios for her to qualify for the semifinals, Gauff said she is already looking forward to next year.
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Gauff said: “The scenarios, I know they make sense, but they’re kinda stupid. If I win my match [Thursday] and I still don’t qualify, I’m like, ‘It’s okay, it’s cool.’ I’m looking forward to next year. I can’t say much, but everybody knows that has to change.”
Tennis fans know that the location is changing for next year, moving to Charlotte. There have also been reports that the tournament will go from eight days to five days.
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The remaining question is what else is changing. Rumors have circulated that 16 players (and doubles teams) will qualify, and single elimination, like a traditional tournament, will happen.
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16 players and single elimination is not unprecedented. The WTA Finals, from its inception in 1972 until 2000, adopted this format.
For players focused on wins and losses throughout the 11-month season, it is easier to follow and understand.
Could this be part of the reason the WTA went with individual photos this year? The transition to a larger field of 16 players probably means the iconic group photo is a thing of the past.
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