Sabalenka edges Muchova in WTA Finals opener as Rybakina withdraws
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Aryna Sabalenka opened her WTA Finals campaign Monday in Indian Wells, beating Karolina Muchova 7-6 (7-2), 7-5 in a match of nearly two hours, hours after Elena Rybakina withdrew from the tournament with illness.
Ms. Sabalenka, a two-time beaten finalist at the season-ending event, including last year’s decider against Ms. Rybakina, is seeking the title for the first time. Ms. Rybakina, who took the world number one ranking this season, pulled out citing a viral illness and fatigue, a withdrawal that aids her rival’s chances.
The match was absorbing and often ragged. Ms. Sabalenka struck seven double faults against four aces and landed 59 per cent of first serves, though she won 33 of 44 points behind them, with her forehand growing stronger as play went on. “It was a bit tricky with the sun [and] with the shade,” she told Sky Sports. “Sometimes I had to adjust my toss, sometimes I had to serve blind, but it’s all part of the game.” She took the tie-break and closed out the win on serving the match out at the second attempt.
Ms. Muchova, the Czech world number seven, was the only player in the field with a winning head-to-head record against Ms. Sabalenka, and made her work for it throughout. Ms. Sabalenka has had a strange season by her standards: for the first time since 2022 she will finish a year without a Grand Slam singles title.
Later on Monday, French Open champion Mirra Andreeva beat Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-0 in the two players’ Group 2 opener, reeling off seven games in a row and saving all six break points she faced in a 77-minute victory. Coco Gauff earlier opened with a win over Jessica Pegula. The eight players are split into round-robin groups, with the top finishers advancing to the semi-finals.
Ms. Sabalenka plays again later this week as the group stage continues.