Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Barbora Krejcikova: Qualification scenarios for the WTA finals

Play in the Purple Group of the WTA Finals is complete, with Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen reaching the final four.

World number 1 and top seed Sabalenka progresses as group winner, while seventh-seeded Qinwen defeated Jasmine Paolini in a qualifying shootout on Wednesday to book her place in the semi-finals.

However, with the Orange Group not yet finished, none of the women know who they will face in the final four games.

And since things are well balanced in this group, different scenarios could develop.

The way it looks

The Orange group consisted of second seed and defending champion Iga Swiatek, third seed Coco Gauff and sixth seed Jessica Pegulaand eighth seed Barbora Krejcikova.

The first thing we know is that Gauff is already guaranteed a place in the last four thanks to straight-set wins over Pegula and Gauff – although she's not sure she'll finish first.

Meanwhile, Pegula was already eliminated from the tournament after two sets against Gauff and Krejcikova, but has now withdrawn from the tournament.

This means there is an alternative Daria Kasatkina will step in and face Swiatek while Gauff and Krejcikova face off.

Both Swiatek and Krejcikova have a record of 1-1 heading into the final round, with the Pole winning her match in three sets to currently sit in second place.

What Gauff needs

Gauff will face Sabalenka if she finishes second in the group and Qinwen if she tops the group.

The equation for her is simple: beat Krejcikova and she's guaranteed to finish in first place.

However, the world number 3 can also top the group if she loses in three sets against the Czech and beats Swiatek Kasatkina. However, if she loses in straight sets and Swiatek wins, she would be second.

What Swiatek needs

Due to her 6-3, 6-4 loss to Gauff, Swiatek cannot win the Orange group, although she can still advance in second place.

However, the defending champions need a little help from the American; The Pole not only has to beat Kasatkina, but also hope that Gauff beats Krejcikova.

Should Krejcikova prevail, the five-time Grand Slam champion would be unable to match both the Czech and American in sets won – regardless of her result against Kasatkina.

If she advances, she is guaranteed to face Sabalenka in the semifinals for the third year in a row.

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What Krejcikova needs

The situation for Krejcikova, who qualified for the WTA Finals thanks to her SW19 win, is a little clearer than for Swiatek.

Any win will take the former world No. 2 into the semi-finals, regardless of how Swiatek performs.

However, if she defeats Gauff in straight sets and beats Swiatek Kasatkina, she would top the group and face Qinwen in the last four.

Krejcikova can also win the group if she wins in three sets and beats Kasatkina Swiatek, as the tiebreaker would then be a direct duel between her and Gauff.

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