Follow us on Google Discover Chris Evert, after watching Aryna Sabalenka knock Coco Gauff out of the WTA Finals, has delivered her assessment of the state of women’s tennis.
As one of the WTA’s greatest-ever players, having turned professional just the year before the organisation’s formation, the American superstar is well-placed to provide insight into the state of the sport.
After all, she did finish her career with 18 Grand Slam titles, with her rivalry with Martina Navratilova widely regarded as one of the best in tennis history.
Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, whilst still both relatively young in their respective careers, are already forging an iconic rivalry of their own, of which there was another strong iteration yesterday.
On this occasion, the Belarusian came out on top. Chris Evert was left impressed with both participants in this straight-sets result, though.
Chris Evert gives her thoughts on Aryna Sabalenka’s win over Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals
Taking to X, the Hall of Famer admitted to really enjoying the clash despite watching her compatriot lose.
Sabalenka was imperious though, despite a difficult first set, which saw her come from 4-1 down in games, and 4-2 down in the tiebreak after initially pulling it back.
Once the world number one had claimed the opening set, the result felt certain.
Despite that, Evert still wrote: “Watched the @SabalenkaA @CocoGauff match yesterday…really enjoyed it, high level, great shotmaking and defense from both ….women’s tennis just keeps getting better! #admiration #WTAFinals”.
This comes after Sabalenka screamed at her team during her tight win over Jessica Pegula earlier in the week/ Fortunately, despite that tough first set, this match was not quite so volatile.
Women’s tennis feels stronger than ever
Whilst people will point to the lack of a dominant, legendary force like Serena Williams as a reason why women’s tennis is not as strong as it has ever been, arguably the increased competition across the board could provide an appropriate counter.
After all, whilst Sabalenka remains the overwhelming favourite in almost every tournament she enters, there are still many stars who can trouble her and challenge for elite titles.
It’s a testament to the quality across the entire WTA that we have had four different Grand Slam champions across 2025, with Madison Keys, Gauff and Iga Swiatek all claiming their respective majors for the first time in their careers.
The unpredictability makes each event unique, and yet there is still a limitless quality from the top-ranked player all the way through the top ten.
Perhaps the greatest indication of this strength is Mirra Andreeva, who, despite winning two Masters 1000 titles and reaching the quarter-finals of two Grand Slams, did not qualify for the WTA Finals.
Women’s tennis is truly in a brilliant place at the moment, with Evert being one of the foundations of this generational success.