Sabalenka Dominates WTA Finals; Pegula Defeats Gauff
In a stunning display of skill, Aryna Sabalenka dominated her opening match at the WTA Finals, securing a decisive victory over Jasmine Paolini. The match took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, marking an important milestone as it was Sabalenka’s 500th match on the WTA tour.
Sabalenka’s Dominance
Sabalenka showcased her powerful serving by hitting 10 aces during the match, with an impressive 82.7% of her first serves in play. She completed the match with a score of 6-3, 6-1 after just 70 minutes of play. Reflecting on her performance, she stated, “I was focused, I was calm, and it felt like everything was in control.”
A Special Recognition
Before her match, Sabalenka was awarded a trophy for finishing the year ranked No. 1. She expressed her pride in her achievements throughout the season and her commitment to continuous improvement. “I’m super happy and super proud of the work that has been done,” she added.
WTA Finals Format
The tournament consists of the year’s top eight players competing in two groups of four in round-robin play. The top two players from each group will advance to the semifinals. Sabalenka emphasized her competitive approach, saying, “I take this tournament as a regular tournament that I have to win five matches if I want to win the title.”
Pegula Triumphs Over Gauff
In another noteworthy match, Jessica Pegula triumphed over defending champion Coco Gauff in a closely contested all-American battle. Pegula won the match with a score of 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-2. Gauff struggled significantly with her serve, committing 17 double faults throughout the match. Her service challenges included failing to secure the second set when she hit three consecutive double faults.
- Match Results:
- Pegula defeated Gauff: 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-2
- Sabalenka defeated Paolini: 6-3, 6-1
Looking Ahead
Gauff, a rising star in women’s tennis, had previously defeated Pegula in the Wuhan Open final three weeks prior. Pegula acknowledged Gauff’s talent, saying, “Coco is a great champion, great competitor, good friend. So it’s always tough playing her.”
As the tournament progresses, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina also began their campaigns with victories. In doubles action, Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani won their opening match, adding to the excitement of this prestigious event.
