Sabalenka’s Key Stats in Riyadh

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Sabalenka’s exceptional performance on her first serve was crucial, winning an impressive 94% of those points. She allowed Zheng just one break point opportunity, which she swiftly defended. With only one double fault in the match's final game, Sabalenka’s serve and tactical control were instrumental.

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“I’m super happy with the win. I think I served really well tonight and put her under a lot of pressure,” Sabalenka shared after the match. “She's an aggressive player, and it forces me to play at my best.”

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Strong Start in a Competitive Field

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Both players arrived in top form, as Zheng had recently won 23 out of her last 27 matches, including a title at the Tokyo WTA 500. Sabalenka also came in with momentum, boasting a 20-1 record in her last four hard-court tournaments, with titles in Cincinnati, the US Open, and Wuhan. Their recent battle in Wuhan was a three-set thriller, but Sabalenka’s dominance in Riyadh showed her growth.

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Decisive Moments

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• - First Set: Sabalenka broke in a tense, multi-deuce sixth game, clinching the break point with a powerful backhand.
• - Second Set: Both players held serve for the first eight games, but Sabalenka ultimately won the last two games to close out the match.

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Sabalenka’s next match in the Purple Group will be crucial as she aims for her first WTA Finals title, determined to hold onto her No. 1 ranking through the year-end.