Regal in Riyadh: Sabalenka, Swiatek and all the WTA Finals stars get glam for iconic photo shoot
Shot by New York-based photographer Jingyu Lin, this year's elite eight posed in the historic district of Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh.
The WTA Finals' singles and doubles competitors are stylin' in Saudi Arabia.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, defending champion Iga Swiatek and the rest of the stars of the season-ending championships stepped out in Riyadh on Thursday for the traditional pre-tournament photo shoot and gala, and their looks did not disappoint.
Shot by New York-based photographer Jingyu Lin, this year's 24 players—eight singles competitors and eight doubles teams—posed in the historic district of Diriyah, wearing garments from some of the world's most recognizable designers, and additional jewelry provided by 4element.
Zheng Qinwen dubbed her red Christian Dior dress "outstanding," while Coco Gauff opted for a one-shoulder, blush pink gown from Saudi-born designer Yousef Akbar. Elena Rybakina wore Elie Saab, while Jasmine Paolini opted for a sand-colored high-neck gown by fellow Italian Brunello Cucinelli.
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The Olympic gold medalist gave rave reviews to her peers' looks, too—but one in particular stood out, she said on Friday's media day.
"I remember the Chinese fans, we say Jasmine Paolini also looking really good sitting by that chair," Zheng said of the her fellow first-time WTA Finals competitor.
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But how did they get that way? See more snapshots from how the players got glammed up for the photo shoot below.
The action at King Saud University in Riyadh kicks off on Saturday, with Sabalenka facing Zheng and Rybakina taking on Paolini in singles action. In doubles, Siniakova and Townsend will face US Open winners Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko, while Hsieh Su-wei and Elise Mertens take on Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez.