NEW DELHI: Aryna Sabalenka commenced her campaign for the year-end top ranking with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 win against China's Zheng Qinwen during her initial round robin match at the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Saturday.
The Australian and US Open champion Sabalenka, who is leading the inaugural women's professional tennis tournament in Saudi Arabia, demonstrated superior strength at vital moments against Zheng in their fourth encounter of 2024, maintaining her unbeaten record.
The Belarusian secured a break in the sixth game of a competitive opening set, during their rematch of Melbourne and Wuhan finals. She subsequently claimed the first set with a confident service game to love.
At the King Saud University Indoor Arena, Zheng, the Olympic champion, received enthusiastic crowd support. Despite taking the lead four times in a competitive second set, Sabalenka consistently equalised before securing a crucial break for 5-4 with a powerful forehand winner.
She secured victory on her serve, despite a momentary lapse with a double fault, as Zheng's forehand sailed long.
The WTA Finals, featuring eight elite singles players and doubles teams competing for a record £15 million prize fund, will conclude with the championship matches on November 9.
Sabalenka can maintain her top position by either winning three round robin matches or reaching the final, whilst her nearest rival Iga Swiatek must win the tournament to have any possibility of overtaking her.
