Aryna Sabalenka defeats Jasmine Paolini, eyes first WTA Final title

New Delhi: With the year-end No.1 ranking already secured, Aryna Sabalenka entered her WTA Finals campaign with confidence. The top seed seemed in good touch as she cruised past Jasmine Paolini in straight sets, dropping just four games in a 6-3, 6-1 victory in over just 70 minutes. The win marked the start of the round-robin stage from the Steffi Graf Group and showcased why Sabalenka remains the player to beat.

Sunday’s triumph was more than just another win as it represented Sabalenka’s 500th Hologic WTA Tour match, excluding Fed Cup and Billie Jean King Cup appearances. Beyond numbers, the victory reinforced her dominance this season and her ability to maintain composure under pressure as she chases her first WTA Finals title.

Sabalenka’s form this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. After reaching the finals of both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, only to lose to Madison Keys and Coco Gauff, respectively, many questioned whether she could hold the No. 1 ranking. She silenced any doubts with relentless determination.

After winning the runner-up at the 2022 WTA Finals said, "It feels super special. Of course, I’m super happy and super proud of the work that has been done and that things are working. I’m getting better every day and I just hope to keep doing what we’re doing and hopefully, we’ll stay there.”

The US Open champion had to fight hard in the first set, as the Internazionali BNL d’Italia champion led 3-0 early on. But the top seed bounced back after a long seventh game to claim the opening set, and then finished off the second set in style, showcasing her dominance.

She has already made history in several ways as she is the first player since Steffi Graf to qualify as the top seed for three consecutive WTA Finals, joining a select group that includes Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, and Graf herself. Not just that she is also among just seven players to hold the No. 1 ranking for a full calendar year and will aim in 2026 to become only the third woman this century alongside Serena Williams and Ashleigh Barty to finish as year-end No. 1 for three straight seasons.

Sabalenka will play Coco Gauff or Jessica Pegula next as they face each other in the second round-robin clash of the day. As she eyes her first WTA Finals crown, the Belarusian star has proven that resilience, focus, and skill can combine to make her a force few can challenge on the court.