From attending Madison Keys' wedding to doing nothing & skydiving plans: Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina & others' off-season plans revealed
The WTA Finals participants including Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina revealed their offseason plans through a fun activity. All eight participants also opened up their 'favorite title won' and 'go to candy.'
The WTA's official Instagram account uploaded each participant's image with a board in which they answered several questions. One of the popular questions that gives an insight into the plans of the players in the coming weeks was:
"During the offseason, I will..."
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka planned on drinking but hilariously refused to reveal what the drink would be. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek has faced a challenging period, losing her top ranking and parting ways with her longtime coach before hiring a new one. As for the offseason, the Polish star plans on doing "nothing."
Coco Gauff's offseason plan involves going to the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival. It is a music festival scheduled for November 16-17 at the Dodger Stadium, in Los Angeles, California. The festival is curated by Tyler, the Creator. Notably, Tyler recently released a song where he name-dropped the American tennis star.
Jasmine Paolini has delivered her best season on tour this year, securing multiple doubles titles and her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai. Her offseason plans include rest and training to prepare for an even stronger next season.
Elena Rybakina endured a topsy-turvy season where she was off to a flier winning multiple titles in a flurry. However, the latter half of her season has been marred by injuries and illnesses. The Kazakh wants to take a break and enjoy skydiving during her offseason.
Jessica Pegula revealed that she will be attending her friend Madison Keys' wedding during the offseason. Keys got engaged to Bjorn Fratangelo in March last year and, according to Pegula's plans, the 29-year-old is set to tie the knot in the coming weeks.
Making her debut at the WTA Finals this year, Zheng Qinwen hopes to enjoy "a lot of good food" in the break after the year-end championships. Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova is planning on going on a "holiday" during the offseason.
Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff pick up wins in their first Round Robin matches at the WTA Finals 2024
On Saturday, November 2, the 2024 WTA Finals kicked off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with the Purple Group in action. The first singles match took place between Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen. The Belarusian had a dominating record against the Chinese and she extended it with a 6-3, 6-4 win.
Elena Rybakina returned to the tour after over two months and faced a 6-7, 4-6 defeat to debutant Jasmine Paolini.
On Sunday, November 3, the Orange Group took center stage. Iga Swiatek got the better of Barbora Krejcikova after going a set down 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. In the all-American battle, Coco Gauff trumped Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-2. The Purple Group returned to action on Day 3, Monday, November 4.