The opening day of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw top-ranked player Aryna Sabalenka deliver a commanding performance, defeating No. 8-ranked Jasmine Paolini with a score of 6-3, 6-1. The match, which marked Sabalenka’s 500th at the WTA level, lasted 70 minutes and showcased her exceptional serving skills, including 10 aces and an impressive 82.7% of first serves in play.
Sabalenka’s dominance was particularly evident in the final game of the first set, where she achieved four aces. After the match, she expressed her satisfaction, stating, “I was focused, I was calm, and it felt like everything was in control.” Recently, she was awarded a trophy for finishing the year as the world No. 1, a milestone she celebrated enthusiastically. “I’m super happy and super proud of the work that has been done,” she added. “I just hope that we’re going to keep doing what we’re doing and hopefully we can stay there.”
Group Stage Highlights
The tournament format features two groups of four players, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. Sabalenka emphasized her approach, saying, “I take this tournament as a regular tournament that I have to win five matches if I want to win the title.” She is determined to bring her best tennis to every match.
In another match from the same group, Jessica Pegula faced off against defending champion Coco Gauff in an all-American clash. Pegula emerged victorious, winning 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-2. Gauff struggled significantly with her serve, recording 12 double faults during the match, which included a crucial double fault that allowed Pegula to clinch the first set.
Gauff managed to force a tiebreaker in the second set, but not before she failed to serve out the set on two occasions, including an unfortunate sequence of three consecutive double faults. Just weeks prior, Gauff had defeated Pegula in the final of the Wuhan Open in China, making this rematch particularly significant.
Pegula praised her opponent, stating, “Coco is a great champion, great competitor, good friend. So it’s always tough playing her.” The camaraderie among the players adds an interesting dynamic to the competition, particularly given their shared history on the court.
Other Matches and Future Prospects
In other matches during the tournament, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina also secured victories in their opening matches on Saturday. The excitement continues as the tournament progresses, with each player vying for a chance to claim the coveted title.
As the competition unfolds, the focus will remain on how these top athletes perform under pressure and whether they can maintain their momentum as they strive for success in the WTA Finals.
