Aryna Sabalenka recovered from a break down within the third set to beat Jessica Pegula 6-4 2-6 6-3 on the WTA Finals and have become the primary participant since Serena Williams in 2013 to register 60 wins on the WTA degree because the world No. 1.
Sabalenka, who overtook Iga Swiatek on the prime spot in October 2024, has been firmly holding the place since. Whereas Swiatek had an opportunity to complete because the Yr-Finish No. 1, the Belarusian tennis star ensured ending because the top-ranked participant within the sport even earlier than the WTA Finals began.
By her opening two matches in Riyadh, Sabalenka owns an ideal 2-0 report after overcoming Jasmine Paolini and Pegula. And by doing so, the 27-year-old additionally pulled off a Williams feat.
61 – Aryna Sabalenka (61) is the primary participant to register over 60 wins at WTA-level because the World No.1 in a single season since Serena Williams in 2013 (66). Ahead. #WTAFinalsRiyadh | @WTA @WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/0KBZpv2dEX
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) November 4, 2025
Sabalenka was made to work onerous by Pegula
Sabalenka could have gained the third set of her match in opposition to Pegula with a 6-3 scoreline, but it surely was all however a simple set for the Belarusian since she trailed by a break after the opening three video games of the deciding set.
“She at all times pushes me to the restrict. Within the second set, I felt like she stepped in and performed unbelievable tennis. Within the third set, I used to be pondering, ‘OK, I’m going to go after my photographs, I’m going to remain much more aggressive and put all that velocity again on her and hope I’ll get my probability.’ And yeah, once more she pushed me and I adore it. I really like taking part in in opposition to her as a result of it’s by no means a simple match. It is at all times nice tennis, nice degree, nice factors and I’m tremendous pleased with the win,” the four-time Grand Slam champion admitted after the match.
Subsequent up for Sabalenka is a WTA Finals showdown versus Gauff.
