The WTA Finals in Riyadh have become a pivotal moment for Aryna Sabalenka, who recently showcased her remarkable form by securing a decisive victory in straight sets against Qinwen Zheng. This triumph not only underscores her current prowess on the court but also sends a bold message to her rivals as she aims to assert her dominance in women’s tennis. Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, is on a remarkable winning streak that began in Cincinnati and has included significant victories at the US Open and more recently in Shanghai. With only one loss during this impressive run, which came in Beijing, Sabalenka is riding high and has reclaimed the top spot in the WTA rankings, displacing Iga Swiatek, who has struggled in recent months.
### Aryna’s Ambitions and Rivalries
Following her commanding performance against Zheng, Sabalenka reflected on the competitive landscape of women’s tennis. She expressed her appreciation for the intense rivalries that define the sport today, stating, “I think it’s very positive that there is this rivalry, it’s very competitive. I really like it because it’s something that pushes me to improve every day. It motivates you to enhance both mentally and physically.” Her acknowledgment of the necessity of competitiveness in sports resonates deeply with fans and players alike; without it, both the spectacle of the game and the drive for personal growth would diminish significantly.
Sabalenka articulated her aspirations, revealing, “I always wanted to dominate the Tour like Serena did back then, like Iga did for a long time. She’s still very close, it will all be decided after the WTA Finals, so who knows?” Her admiration for the legacies of Serena Williams and Iga Swiatek illustrates her understanding of the sport’s history and the benchmarks set by previous champions. Sabalenka’s focus remains on her own performance, as she stated, “I’m trying to focus on myself, improve and make sure I have the tools to dominate.”
### Equal Prize Money and Recognition
In an important development for the sport, the prize money for the WTA Finals matches that of the ATP Finals, totaling a substantial $15 million. This equal pay reflects the growing recognition of women’s tennis and the hard work athletes put into their craft. Sabalenka emphasized the significance of this parity, saying, “It’s crazy. I think we all deserve it; we worked as hard as they did. We make a lot of sacrifices, even more than men, and we deserve it.” Her statement resonates with the ongoing dialogue about gender equality in sports and the recognition of female athletes’ contributions.
### The Road to Riyadh
During the tournament’s media day, the 26-year-old Belarusian discussed her goals and preparations for the Finals. “All season I’ve said that my main goal is to finish the season as the best on the planet. I will do everything I can to make that happen,” she asserted. Acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, she is fully aware that each match will be a battle requiring her utmost effort. Reflecting on her journey back to the No. 1 ranking, Sabalenka admitted that it was a surprise but reiterated her commitment to maintaining that position.
Discussing the playing conditions in Riyadh, she noted that the courts are much faster than those she encountered in China, and the lighter balls could play to her advantage. “I think that works in my favor,” she stated confidently. Sabalenka has also developed an exciting new weapon in her arsenal: the drop shot. “If you had told me five years ago that I would have this shot in my repertoire, I wouldn’t have believed it, because I don’t have a great hand,” she confessed. However, through practice and adaptation, she has made the drop shot an effective part of her game, providing her with greater control and the ability to disrupt her opponents’ rhythm.
### Competing in Saudi Arabia
Finally, Sabalenka addressed her feelings about competing in Saudi Arabia, a nation that has been actively working to promote women’s sports. “I have no problem playing here. I think it’s important to take tennis to as many places as possible in the world and inspire young people,” she explained. The efforts being made to improve women’s lives and promote their sports participation in Saudi Arabia are initiatives that resonate with her. “I’m very happy to be part of something that could be historic,” she concluded, highlighting her awareness of the broader implications of her participation.
### A Historic Moment
As the WTA Finals unfold, Aryna Sabalenka stands poised not just to compete but to potentially reshape the landscape of women’s tennis. Her ambition to dominate the sport, coupled with her acknowledgment of the rivalries that push her forward, showcases a player who is both introspective and fiercely competitive. With her recent successes and the momentum she has built, the coming matches promise to be thrilling. Sabalenka’s journey reflects not only her personal aspirations but also the collective progress of women in sports, as they strive for recognition, equality, and excellence on a global stage.