Sabalenka defeats Zheng, Paolini defeats Rybakina in WTA final

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Top seed Aryna Sabalenka won easily in straight sets over Zheng Qinwen in the opening match of the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Sabalenka won 6:3, 6:4 and extended her perfect record against the Chinese to 5:0. It was also their 21st win in their last 22 games.

The seventh-seeded Zheng lost the last three games as her concentration waned and also appeared to have lost track of the result. After hitting a long backhand on match point, Zheng walked to her chair, which she said marked a change of ends, rather than going to the net for the traditional handshake.

She smiled and raised her hand apologetically when she noticed before walking back to the center.

The win also prepares Sabalenka to end the year at the top. The Belarusian player only needs to win two of her three group games to retain her place at number one.

Fourth-seeded Jasmine Paolini from Italy defeated fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina in the other game in the purple group.

Paolini, who is currently enjoying a groundbreaking season, prevailed in a tight game 7:6 (5) and 6:4 in her debut at the year-end tournament for the eight top-ranked players.

American players Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula will face off in the Orange group on Sunday after second seed Iga Swiatek takes on Barbora Krejcikova.