Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka head the eight-player field at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, a tournament that former player Chanda Rubin expects to test endurance and mental strength.
Rubin, now an analyst with Tennis Channel, gave her assessment to Reuters in remarks published by CNA. She said that qualifying among the season's top eight reflects a sustained campaign across a demanding calendar, not merely a few standout results.
The round-robin structure adds to the challenge. Players face top-class opponents from the very first match rather than easing into the event, and Rubin argued that those who progress from the groups are the ones who know how to build their form.
Rybakina arrives with the year-end world number one ranking already secured. The Kazakh is defending the title she won last year, when the event was staged in Riyadh. Rubin described her as a low-key but fierce competitor who has repeatedly delivered on major stages, and said that retaining the trophy would further strengthen her standing at the top of the women's game. Winning the title in consecutive years, the analyst noted, is a rare achievement.
Sabalenka, the world number two, has extra motivation after losing to Rybakina in last year's final and again at this season's Australian Open and US Open. Rubin said the Belarusian's power makes her dangerous against anyone, but that controlling her emotions may prove decisive.
"For so long now she has been the hunted. It's different when now she's got something to chase," Rubin said.
She suggested that no longer holding the top ranking could ease some of the pressure on Sabalenka, while stressing that a player with such a big game needs mental and emotional balance.
Rybakina begins her Group One campaign on Sunday against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula complete that group.
Sabalenka leads Group Two, which also features 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva, former champion Elina Svitolina and Czech player Karolina Muchova.