Two teams composed of players that did not compete in the WTA Finals singles (except Finals Alternates) or doubles competitions, using the players’ combined doubles rankings as of the Monday after the final regular-season Tournament of the current Tour Year to determine the order of acceptance; and up to two teams composed of players that did not compete in the WTA Finals singles (except Finals Alternates) or doubles competitions and that include at least one Elite Trophy Singles Qualified Player or Elite Trophy Alternate, using the higher of the players’ combined singles or doubles rankings as of the Monday after the final regular-season Tournament of the current Tour Year to determine the order of acceptance.

The six doubles teams will be split into two round robin groups, with the winner of each advancing to the final.

In 2017, the final standings of each group were determined by the first of the following methods that applied: Stefanie Graf, former WTA World No.1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion, continued as Tournament Ambassador for the 2017 WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai, helping promote the third edition of this elite year-end women’s tennis event.

[3] The total prize money for the Hengqin Life 2017 WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai was US $2,280,935.

Undefeated champion: $673,300 ($42,500 participation, $152,600 RR, $478,200 SF/F) † The player's ranking at the time did not qualify her to play this event.