Aryna Sabalenka, 25, Belarus

Seed: 1

Best WTA Finals performance: Runner-up (2022)

2024 titles: 4

2024 win-loss: 54-12

With two Grand Slams and more ranking points than anyone else, she has been the season’s standout player. A first WTA Finals title will cap it.

Jasmine Paolini, 28, Italy

Seed: 4

Best WTA Finals performance: Debut

2024 titles: 1

2024 win-loss: 37-17

Late-bloomer Paolini, also competing in the doubles, has enjoyed the season of her life. Having never previously made a Slam third round, she won a first WTA 1,000 title in Dubai before reaching the French Open and Wimbledon finals.

Elena Rybakina, 25, Kazakhstan

Seed: 5

Best WTA Finals performance: Round robin (2023)

2024 titles: 3

2024 win-loss: 41-9

A season of two halves for the 2022 Wimbledon champion, who has struggled throughout with recurring illness. She lost seven of her 41 matches up to June, but has not played since August.

Zheng Qinwen, 22, China

Seed: 7

Best WTA Finals performance: Debut

2024 titles: 3

2024 win-loss: 47-16

The disappointment of losing her first major final in Melbourne has been offset by winning Olympic singles gold. She goes into the finals having lost four of her past 32 matches.