The official pre-tournament photoshoot for the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh has drawn sharp criticism from tennis fans, who described the players’ expressions as “sad,” the outfits as uninspired, and the overall composition as lacking energy.
Released on Friday by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the group photo features the eight qualified players—Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Iga Świątek, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina, Madison Keys, and Jasmine Paolini—all dressed in formal gowns, continuing the tradition of evening wear for the year-end championships.
However, reactions across social media platforms, including X and Reddit, were largely negative. Many fans questioned the styling choices, particularly for World No. 2 Iga Świątek, while others felt the image failed to capture the excitement of the prestigious event.
“Who keeps putting Iga in bedsheets?” one user wrote, referring to Świątek’s flowing white gown. “I love Amanda’s dress though.”
Another commented: “They all look sad, older than they are, and this photo gives no emotion.”
“Were they told to look miserable?” a third fan asked.
Several criticized the stiff posing and dated aesthetic, with one remarking: “Posing looks stiff and vibe is very early 2000s. WTA is really not giving these ladies what they deserve.”
Another likened the image to “a promo for The Real Housewives of Riyadh,” while a different user called it “quite a disappointing photo” despite praising the players as “wonderful, smart, athletic, strong, beautiful women.”
The photoshoot comes ahead of the WTA Finals, which begin on November 1 at the King Saud University Indoor Arena. Defending champion Coco Gauff, fresh off a title win at the WTA 1000 Wuhan Open, opens her campaign on November 2 against fellow American Jessica Pegula. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faces Jasmine Paolini in the same session.
On Saturday, Iga Świątek will take on Madison Keys, followed by Amanda Anisimova versus Elena Rybakina.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, an eight-time WTA Finals singles champion, expressed confidence in Gauff’s title defense, highlighting her superior movement and recent form.
“Her movement is better than anybody else. She can always depend on that,” Navratilova told the WTA’s official website. “She just won in Wuhan, so she should be confident.”
The 2025 WTA Finals mark the second consecutive year the event is held in Riyadh, part of a three-year agreement with Saudi Arabia. The tournament offers a record $15.5 million in prize money.
