World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka secured her spot in the semi-finals at the WTA Finals after defeating Jasmine Paolini in the Purple Group on Monday.
Sabalenka defeated the Italian 6-3 7-5 to improve to 2-0 and, combined with Qinwen Zheng’s victory over Elena Rybakina earlier in the day, ensured that she will finish as the group winner.
Top seed Sabalenka has now won 22 of her last 23 matches and moves within one round-robin win of securing the year-end No 1 ranking for the first time.
In addition, if Iga Swiatek loses to Coco Gauff on Tuesday, Sabalenka will clinch the year-end No 1 ranking.
Sabalenka will face Rybakina on Wednesday in the final group match of the week, where a 3-0 record would seal the top spot.
Tale of the Tape
Purple Group
Zheng overcomes Rybakina
Rybakina, beleaguered by insomnia, allergies and injuries, had played only four matches since Wimbledon in mid-July and fatigue played a part as Chinese Olympic gold medallist Zheng recorded her first career win over the 25-year-old in three attempts, winning 7-6 (7-4) 3-6 6-1.
Wednesday’s Zheng-Paolini winner will join Sabalenka in the semi-finals.
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
- WTA Finals Riyadh – (November 2-9)
- Belgrade Open – ATP 250 (November 3-9)
- Moselle Open, Metz – ATP 250 (November 3-9)
- Nitto ATP Finals, Turin – (November 10-17)
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