Sabalenka, Swiatek Win Opening Matches in Riyadh

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka opened the WTA Finals in Riyadh with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Jasmine Paolini, recording double-digit aces and closing the 70-minute match shortly after being presented the year-end world No. 1 trophy — it was also her 500th match at WTA level. Sabalenka said she felt calm and in control and reiterated she treats the event like any tournament she must win five matches to claim the title. In the same Stefanie Graf group, Jessica Pegula defeated defending champion Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-2 as Gauff again struggled with her serve, committing 12 double-faults. Earlier in the opening sessions, Iga Swiatek beat Madison Keys 6-1, 6-2 for her 62nd win of the year, and Elena Rybakina downed Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-1, with both winners showing strong serving and control. The season-ending event features the top eight players split into two four-woman round-robin groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals.