World number one Aryna Sabalenka will make her third consecutive appearance at the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, as the governing body of women's tennis announced its first set of qualifiers for the season finale.
The tournament, which features the world's top eight singles players and doubles teams, will return to Mexico after a gap of one year. The 2021 edition took place in Guadalajara.
Australian Open champion Sabalenka will be joined by four-times Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, whom she leapfrogged to claim the top ranking for the first time after the US Open earlier this month, the WTA announced on Friday.
The 25-year-old Belarusian is enjoying her best season on the WTA Tour with three titles and three more finals, including one at Flushing Meadows. She will look to improve on her runner-up finish at last year's WTA Finals in Fort Worth.
US Open champion Coco Gauff booked her place in both the singles and doubles competitions. The 19-year-old will partner with fellow American Jessica Pegula.
Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina rounded off the initial set of entrants for the tournament as she became the first player from Kazakhstan to qualify in singles.
The WTA Finals run from October 29 to November 5.
Pandya's form mirrors Mumbai woes in wretched IPL season
Elneny to leave Arsenal after eight years
Al Wasl crush Al Nasr to clinch UAE President's Cup
Zverev battles past Tabilo to reach Italian Open final
Scottie Scheffler detained by police at PGA Championship
