Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her WTA Finals campaign with a bang, decisively defeating Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-4 in Riyadh. The top-ranked Belarusian’s aggressive play set the tone for the tournament, showcasing her determination to retain her No. 1 ranking without overthinking the complicated scenarios that come with it.
“No,” Sabalenka replied when asked if she was preoccupied with ranking details. “I prefer to focus step by step.”
With this win, Sabalenka improved her head-to-head record against the rising Chinese star to 5-0, continuing her impressive run of 21 victories in her last 22 matches. Despite facing tough competition, Sabalenka’s mental strength proved crucial, particularly during pivotal moments when she capitalized on Zheng’s second serves.
The match started tightly, with both players holding serve until Sabalenka seized her chance at 3-2. A tenacious return game led to a break, and she quickly closed out the first set. In the second set, Zheng’s focus wavered, and she faltered at crucial moments, allowing Sabalenka to secure another break and the match.
Reflecting on her performance, Sabalenka expressed satisfaction: “I’m really glad I was able to finish this match in straight sets.” Meanwhile, Zheng, making her WTA Finals debut, acknowledged her need for improvement, stating, “I believe I can truly challenge her” once she fine-tunes her game.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Sabalenka, who is determined to maintain her winning streak and solidify her place at the top. With a hefty prize pool and the year-end No. 1 ranking on the line, she’s ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
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