Aryna Sabalenka Moves Closer to WTA Finals Semifinals
Aryna Sabalenka came from behind to defeat Jessica Pegula 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 and improve to 2-0 in the Steffi Graf Group at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
Match Summary
- Sabalenka had already beaten Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-1 earlier in the tournament.
- She avenged her recent loss to Pegula from the WTA 1000 Wuhan semifinal last October.
- In the first set, Sabalenka converted her fourth break point in the sixth game and built a 5-2 lead but was broken back at 5-4. She closed the set 6-4 by breaking Pegula in the tenth game.
- Pegula responded by taking the second set 6-2 with two breaks of serve, pushing the match to the decisive third set.
- Pegula went ahead 2-1 in the final set, but Sabalenka won four straight games to lead 5-2 and then closed the match on her first match point in the ninth game.
Next Steps
Sabalenka needs to win at least one set against Coco Gauff in the final round-robin match to advance further.
Player Quote
"Pegula played incredible tennis. In the second set she started playing on another level and when I went a break down in the third I just told myself I had to play more aggressive." — Aryna Sabalenka
Summary: Sabalenka’s resilience and tactical adjustments have brought her within reach of a WTA Finals semifinal berth after overcoming Pegula in a tough three-set match.