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Aryna Sabalenka dominates in Riyadh: advances to WTA Finals semifinals

Aryna Sabalenka continues to demonstrate her strength at the top of women’s tennis, securing her place in the WTA Finals semifinals.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo November 5, 2024

Aryna Sabalenka advances to WTA semifinals / Photo via WTA

In Riyadh, Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jasmine Paolini in a challenging match, emerging victorious with a score of 6-3, 7-5. With this win, the Belarusian world number one advances in the tournament, showcasing her resilience and adaptability.

The highly anticipated face-off between the world’s top-ranked player and fourth-seed Jasmine Paolini drew significant attention on the WTA Finals stage. Both players had secured wins in Group A, making this match a decider for the top position. Entering the encounter, Sabalenka held a narrow 2-1 head-to-head edge over Paolini, who has shone in 2023, reaching the finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, cementing her place among the elite in women’s tennis. Sabalenka, having enjoyed a stellar year with triumphs at the Australian Open and the US Open, was eager to extend her dominance.

The opening set saw Sabalenka quickly gaining an advantage. Her strength from the baseline put Paolini on the defensive, allowing the Belarusian to break her opponent’s serve early on. Paolini attempted to counter Sabalenka’s powerful shots but struggled to establish her rhythm, often yielding control of rallies. Despite Paolini’s efforts, Sabalenka maintained a firm grip on the match with consistent, well-timed shots and secured an additional break with a perfectly executed drop shot. Although Paolini managed to reclaim a break, Sabalenka retained her advantage and closed out the first set 6-3, setting a commanding tone.

Sabalenka’s victory in Riyadh

Paolini entered the second set with renewed intensity, firing well-placed shots that disrupted Sabalenka’s rhythm and taking an early break. The Italian appeared more assertive, counteracting Sabalenka’s baseline aggression with quick, precise shots and strong defensive play. However, Sabalenka was undeterred. She resumed her signature heavy-hitting style, breaking back with powerful strokes and reclaiming her momentum.

Although Sabalenka exhibited some fluctuations in her game, her raw power enabled her to maintain control, as she broke Paolini’s serve yet again and solidified her lead with a strong service game. Paolini continued to resist, showcasing her tactical acumen and managing to level the score, but Sabalenka’s pressure did not relent.

In the crucial eleventh game, Sabalenka found another gear, using her full range of powerful shots to establish a decisive break. With her serve firing on all cylinders, she delivered a series of unreturnable shots to claim the set 7-5, securing her place in the semifinals.

Advancing with momentum

With this win, Sabalenka further strengthens her position as the world number one, displaying both mental and physical resilience. Her ability to adjust her game and persist under pressure underscores her standing at the pinnacle of women’s tennis. As she advances to the semifinals in Riyadh, Sabalenka’s blend of power and determination makes her a formidable contender, one who is prepared to face the remaining challenges and continue her impressive run.

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Aryna Sabalenka dominates in Riyadh: advances to WTA Finals semifinals

Sabalenka’s victory in Riyadh

Advancing with momentum

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Sabalenka’s victory in Riyadh

Advancing with momentum

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