SuggestedLeadIn: Maria Sharapova, Simona Halep and Flavia Pennetta speak ahead of the WTA Finals in Singapore

Script: SOUNDBITE:(English) Maria Sharapova

(on her approach to the WTA Finals after not playing since Wimbledon)

"Look, it's a big step for me to be here and feel that I am healthy. It will be a bigger step that I'll be able to compete in those three matches and finish them off healthy. That's my goal. Everything else I just have to take the positives out of because I feel I've committed myself to being here and done everything possible. If I can stay healthy and work my way through the matches no matter who I'm playing, in this particular situation I have to worry about myself a little bit more than who I'm playing against."

SOUNDBITE:(English) Simona Halep

(on Serena Williams not playing the WTA Finals)

"Without Serena, the tournament is more open now, everyone has the chance to win the tournament, win the title. The level is very close between us now at this time, Muguruza is playing well she won Beijing. Many players are coming with great results, I played well in USA so I think I have my chance. But we'll see. It's going to be difficult because every match will be very close I think."

SOUNDBITE:(English) Flavia Pennetta

(confirming she still plans to retire after the WTA Finals)

" In US Open I say was my last US Open. Then when we ask me if I keep playing until the end of the year, I was really clear. Of course, I will play until the end of the year. Of course, like my goal was to come here. After US Open I was No. 6, so I see the chance to be here. I was fighting for be here now. I was really clear in the fact that I going to finish this year my career, for sure."