Sabalenka Starts Strong with Victory Over Zheng at WTA Finals
Sabalenka victory preserved her undefeated record against the Chinese player.
RIYADH: Aryna Sabalenka began her pursuit of the year-end No. 1 ranking with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen in her opening round-robin match at the WTA Finals on Saturday.
The Belarusian showcased her power and composure to claim the win at this historic tournament in Saudi Arabia.
The Australian and US Open champion displayed her impressive power, dominating Zheng in their fourth meeting of 2024.
Sabalenka’s victory preserved her undefeated record against the Chinese player.
Sabalenka is the headline star at this landmark event, marking the first women’s professional tennis tournament hosted in Saudi Arabia.
A repeat of finals played earlier this year in Melbourne and Wuhan, saw Sabalenka claim an edge in the tight opening set by securing a crucial break in the sixth game.
She consolidated her advantage by holding serve to love, taking the set.
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Despite strong support for Olympic gold medalist Zheng from the crowd at the King Saud University Indoor Arena, the second set was a competitive affair.
Zheng managed to take the lead four times, but each time Sabalenka responded with composure.
Leveling the score before breaking serve with a powerful forehand for a decisive 5-4 advantage.
Sabalenka closed out the match on her serve, overcoming a momentary lapse with a double fault, as Zheng sent a final forehand long to seal the Belarusian’s victory.
The WTA Finals, featuring the top eight singles players and doubles teams, has a record $15 million prize fund and ends on November 9.
To secure the top ranking for the year, Sabalenka needs either to win all three of her round-robin matches or reach the final.
Meanwhile, her closest rival, Iga Swiatek, must defend her title to have any hope of overtaking Sabalenka.
In the second match of the Purple Group, Jasmine Paolini triumphed over Elena Rybakina 7-6(5), 6-4.