Since 1972, the Top 8 Ladies tennis players who have qualified, partake in the season ending WTA Finals, formerly known as the WTA Tour Championships.

The WTA Finals, along with the four Grand Slams, are regarded as the cream of the crop in the WTA tennis calender, with the largest prize money and ranking points on offer. The winner also receives the Billie Jean King trophy.

The tournament has been held in various cities over the years, but in 2013, it was decided to grant Singapore the rights for the next 5 years.

A few days ago, the draw had been completed and the Top 8 to play are:

Angelique Kerber
Serena Williams – 5-time champion
Agnieszka Radwanska – defending champion
Simona Halep
Karolina Pliskova
Garbiñe Muguruza
Madison Keys
Dominika Cibulkova

However, on Sunday, World No. 2, Serena Williams, announced that she would not be playing due to a shoulder injury, which has sidelined her since the US Open semi-final in September.

This means that British hopeful, Johanna Konta, could still qualify, although she has been sidelined with an abdominal injury. There are also two other contenders in the race – Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain and Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia. Both ladies are playing in the Kremlin Cup in Russia this week, with Kuznetsova opting for a wildcard entrant in a last bid to clinch the final spot.

The WTA Finals in Singapore will be played from 23 – 30 October.