RIYADH — Aryna Sabalenka started her quest to safe the year-end primary rating with a thumping 6-3 6-4 victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen in her opening spherical robin match on the WTA finals in Riyadh on Saturday.
Australian and U.S. Open champion Sabalenka, who’s headlining the primary ladies’s skilled tennis event in Saudi Arabia, packed far an excessive amount of energy for Zheng at essential factors of their fourth assembly of 2024 to remain good.
“She’s such a terrific participant. We at all times have nice battles,” Sabalenka stated.
“She performs aggressive tennis. She pressured me to step in and go for it. That is why I convey my finest tennis and I am tremendous pleased with the primary win.”
In a rematch of their Melbourne and Wuhan title clashes, it was Belarusian Sabalenka who edged forward in a good opening set with a break within the sixth recreation and took the early lead within the contest by holding to like.
Olympic champion Zheng loved loads of vociferous help on the King Saud College Indoor Area and led 4 instances in a more in-depth second set however Sabalenka drew stage every time and at last broke for a 5-4 lead with a searing forehand winner.
She wrapped up the competition on serve regardless of a wobble with a double fault, when Zheng despatched a forehand lengthy.
The WTA Finals, which options the highest eight singles gamers and doubles groups on this planet and has a file prize pot of $15 million, will culminate with the title clashes on Nov. 9.
Successful three spherical robin matches or reaching the ultimate are a number of the methods Sabalenka can retain prime spot this 12 months, whereas closest challenger Iga Swiatek must efficiently defend the trophy to have any likelihood of overtaking her.
“It might imply every part to me. It is one among my desires,” Sabalenka stated about doubtlessly profitable the title after dropping within the ultimate when it was held in Fort Value, Texas in 2022.
“I’ve actually labored onerous in the previous couple of years. I actually hope I will be capable to maintain this lovely trophy in the future.”
Roland Garros and Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini then beat 2022 All England Membership champion Elena Rybakina 7-6(5) 6-4 within the second match from the Purple Group.
Swiatek takes on Barbora Krejcikova within the Orange Group on Sunday earlier than Coco Gauff meets Jessica Pegula.