Aryna Sabalenka “super happy” after beating Qinwen Zheng in her first Group match at the WTA Finals
Aryna Sabalenka excited after beating Qinwen Zheng for the fifth consecutive time, as the WTA Finals get off to a start.
Follow Us
Aryna Sabalenka and Qinwen Zheng (Image via Reuters)
Aryna Sabalenka has been unstoppable since the second half of the season. The Belarusian’s performance has seen her overtake her rival Iga Swiatek and become the WTA No.1. More recently, the 26-year-old defeated Chinese star Qinwen Zheng in the first Group match at the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia.
After a slow start to the season, Sabalenka claimed the Cincinnati and US Open. She went on to win her third consecutive Wuhan title. Nonetheless, Sabalenka met Zheng twice this season before their match at the WTA Finals. The former beat the latter in the Australian Open final in January and in the quarterfinals of the US Open in September.
However, on Saturday (November 2), Zheng played well in the first set, showing off her serve, while hitting five aces. But, Sabalenka was able to contain her power with accuracy. She wrapped up the first set quickly with a 6-3 win. Zheng displayed more aggression in the second set, but that was too little to trouble her opponent.
Sabalenka went on to win the match 6-3, 6-4 and claim her fifth consecutive victory over the Chinese star. During her on-court interview, she revealed that despite the easy win, Zheng was tough to beat.
I don’t know. She’s such a great player. We always had great battles. She plays aggressive tennis. She forced me to step in and go for it. That’s why I bring my best tennis. Super happy with the first win. She’s such a tough opponent.
Aryna Sabalenka said in the post-match interview
Sabalenka will hope to continue her perfect performance on Monday (November 4), when she faces Elena Rybakina, before a showdown against Jasime Paolini. The duo have played against each other nine times thus far with the Belarusian leading 6-3 in the head-to-head record.
Aryna Sabalenka aiming to win her maiden WTA Finals title
Aryna Sabalenka currently sits at World No.1 in the WTA rankings. She is competing in a must-win WTA Finals, which will see her gain 1,500 and ensure she ends the year at the top of the WTA rankings for the first time in her career.
After beating Qinwen Zheng in the first Group phase match, she revealed that it would be a dream come true to win the WTA Finals. She added she has worked hard over the years to be qualified to win the title.
It would mean everything to me. It’s one of my dreams. I really worked hard the past years since the very beginning of my career. I really hope I’ll be able to hold this beautiful trophy one day.
Aryna Sabalenka said during her on-court interview
Sabalenka has won four titles this season, two Grand Slam wins and WTA 1000 titles. She will be hoping to claim her fifth title at the WTA Finals.
Stay Updated!
Victor Okechukwu
(688 Articles Published)