Sabalenka Wins WTA Finals Opener, Marks 60th Victory in 2025

Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one and U.S. Open champion, began her WTA Finals campaign with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over Jasmine Paolini in Riyadh. This win marked Sabalenka's fifth consecutive triumph over Paolini and her 60th match victory on the tour this year, showcasing her dominance on the WTA circuit. Despite some challenges from Paolini, including low shots and a brief service break, Sabalenka maintained focus and control, highlighting her calm and confident play. She expressed pride in her year-end number one trophy and optimism about maintaining her top form. The tournament features a round-robin format, with Sabalenka competing in a group that includes Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, emphasizing the competitive nature of the event as players vie for semifinal spots. Sabalenka's performance solidifies her status as the standout player on the WTA Tour in 2025, as she aims to win the WTA Finals title for the first time in her career.