In Riyadh’s gleaming new arena, Aryna Sabalenka didn’t just start her WTA Finals campaign — she set the tone for the entire Steffi Graf group. The world No. 1 brushed aside Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-1 in her opening round-robin match, sending an early warning to group rivals Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff.
Commanding from the First Ball
After nearly a month off since Wuhan, Sabalenka returned looking refreshed and ruthless. Her power game — always her trademark — was locked in from the start. Paolini, one of the season’s most consistent performers, tried to absorb the pace but found herself on the back foot throughout. The Italian’s grit wasn’t enough to counter Sabalenka’s relentless depth and accuracy, as the Belarusian dictated rallies with heavy serves and first-strike aggression.
The Numbers Behind the Domination
The stats painted a picture of total control from the world No. 1. Sabalenka wrapped up the win in just 1 hour and 11 minutes, producing one of her cleanest performances of the season. She fired 11 aces without a single double fault, landing 81 % of first serves and winning 66 % of those points. Her Serve Rating of 296 dwarfed Paolini’s 202, while her Dominance Ratio of 1.35 reflected complete command of both serve and return.
Sabalenka’s efficiency on key moments stood out — she converted 5 of 7 break points (71 %), saved 75 % of the break chances she faced, and won 73 % of all pressure points. On return, she was equally ruthless, capturing 50 % of Paolini’s second-serve points and breaking five times from eight return games.
Overall, Sabalenka claimed 56 % of total points (63 of 112) and 75 % of total games (12 of 16), including a blistering run of six games in a row to close out the contest. Paolini, by contrast, managed only a 38 % hold rate on serve and won just 44 % of total points — figures that underline the gulf between them on the day.
This was not just another win; it was a statistical statement from the world’s top-ranked player — a reminder that in Riyadh, Sabalenka’s power and precision remain the gold standard.
Calm Focus and a Champion’s Mindset
Afterward, Sabalenka credited her composure:
“She’s a tough opponent — every time we play, it’s a battle. I just tried to stay focused because if you give her space, she takes control. I’m happy I stayed calm, even after losing my serve once.”
She added that she’s not thinking about group formats or scenarios:
“For me, it’s like any other tournament. I need five wins to take the title, so I treat every match as if it’s the last one.”
The Symbol of Consistency
Having secured year-end world No. 1 status again, Sabalenka reflected on what the achievement means:
“It’s really special. I’m super happy and proud of the work I’ve done. I feel like I’m improving all the time — hopefully I can keep this level and stay up here for a long while.”
Verdict – The Road Runs Through Sabalenka
In a year defined by consistency and controlled power, Sabalenka’s WTA Finals opener was a statement of intent. The message to the field was unmistakable: to lift the 2025 WTA Finals trophy in Riyadh, you’ll have to go through the world No. 1 first.