By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday November 2, 2024
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka remained perfect against Zheng Qinwen, while Jasmine Paoline took out Elena Rybakina on her WTA Finals debut in Riyadh.
Photo Source: TTC
Aryna Sabalenka’s quest to sweep the three biggest hard court titles on offer in 2024 commenced with an impressive takedown of Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen on Day 1.
The World no.1 notched a 6-3, 6-4 win over Zheng to maintain her domination of China’s top player, improving to 5-0 lifetime against Zheng, and 55-12 on the season.
Already the champion at the Australian Open and the US Open, Sabalenka hopes to win in Riyadh and finish the season at No.1.
So far so good.
“I’m super happy with the win, especially against Qinwen,” Sabalenka said after her victory “It’s always tough matches, tough battles against her, and I’m really, I’m really glad I was able to finish this match in straight sets.”
Sabalenka saved the only break point she faced and converted two of four chances against Zheng. She needed just 84 minutes to secure the win, which surprised Zheng. After match point was won the Chinese went to her towel to prepare for the next game.
No such luck.
In the second singles match of the day Jasmine Paolini continued her improbably good season by defeating Elena Rybakina 7-6(5), 6-4. It was a solid debut for the Italian, who also defeated Rybakina in their last meeting, in three sets at Roland-Garros.
It was more surprising this spring, as that quarterfinal victory came before Paolini had become a two-time major finalist and a Top-5 player.
The Italian, who reached the final at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon this year, is also in the doubles draw with partner Sara Errani. She also won doubles gold in Paris this year. Safe to say she’s riding a wave of confidence and it continued today as she rose to the top of the Purple Group alongside Sabalenka with a poised performance.
Paolini improved to 38-17 in singles overall on the season with the win.
It was Rybakina’s third match since Wimbledon, and her level was fairly high, just not high enough to match Paolini, particularly in the second set.
In doubles action, Hsieh Su-Wei and Elise Mertens fell to Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez, 1-6, 6-1, 10-6.
