This year, there will be no traditional group photo at the WTA Finals. The decision is widely speculated to be linked to Elina Svitolina’s refusal to pose alongside Russian and Belarusian players since the start of the war. The WTA, however, is presenting the change as part of a “fresh, personality-driven approach” designed to celebrate each player’s individuality.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian players have often refused to shake hands with opponents representing Russia or Belarus, so Svitolina’s reported reluctance to appear in a group photo alongside Mirra Andreeva or Aryna Sabalenka comes as little surprise.
The WTA appears to have respected her position, opting to avoid making an issue of the situation and instead introduce a series of individual player portraits. According to the organization, the portraits “will celebrate each qualifier’s individuality, personal style and unique story, offering fans a new perspective on the stars of women’s tennis.”
The full portrait collection will debut across the WTA’s digital and social media channels on Friday.
The WTA Finals begin on November 8 in Indian Wells, featuring the eight best players of the season competing for the prestigious year-end title. Svitolina, Andreeva and Sabalenka have all been drawn into Group 2 alongside Karolina Muchova, setting up an interesting group-stage dynamic.
