Sabalenka claims opening win at WTA Finals
The world number two defeats the Czech after a tough battle, cementing her status as favorite.
Aryna Sabalenka has kicked off her WTA Finals campaign with a victory.
The 28-year-old, who enters the tournament as top seed following the withdrawal of world number one Elena Rybakina, defeated Czech Karolina Muchova 7-6 (1), 7-5 in one hour and 54 minutes.
In a hard-fought match, both players struggled with their serve, dropping it multiple times. However, Sabalenka showed stronger nerves to secure an important opening win.
Andreeva and Svitolina yet to play
Following her early exits at the Chinese tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan, Sabalenka got back on track just in time for the season finale, moving to the top of Group B for now.
The other match in the group between Sabalenka's upcoming opponents, Mirra Andreeva and Elina Svitolina, is yet to take place. On Sunday, home favorite Coco Gauff and Czech Linda Noskova both claimed opening victories.
