Aryna Sabalenka** wasted little time in securing her spot in the semifinals of the **WTA Finals** in **Riyadh**, continuing her exceptional form as she powered through the group stage with two dominant straight-set wins. The world No. 1, who is making a strong case for the **2024 Player of the Year**, began her campaign in Saudi Arabia with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over **Zheng Qinwen**, before dispatching **Jasmine Paolini** in similar fashion with a 6-2, 6-3 scoreline.
With these victories, Sabalenka has guaranteed her place in the semifinals, with one match still to play. Her final group match against **Elena Rybakina** will be a **dead rubber**, as the **Kazakh** has already been eliminated from contention after two losses.
### A Monumental Achievement: Sabalenka Equals Serena Williams
Sabalenka’s impressive form at the **WTA Finals** has seen her reach a significant milestone, as she becomes the first player to qualify for **back-to-back semifinals** at the **WTA Finals** as **World No. 1** since **Serena Williams** in 2013-14. According to **OptaAce**, Sabalenka’s feat is not only historic for her but also highlights her status as one of the most consistent performers in the sport right now.
By reaching the final four at this year’s WTA Finals, Sabalenka continues to demonstrate the level of dominance that has propelled her to the top of the women’s game. Having been **crowned World No. 1** ahead of this year’s event, overtaking **Iga Świątek**, Sabalenka has carried that momentum into the tournament, showing no signs of slowing down. Her two Grand Slam titles in 2024—the **Australian Open** and the **US Open**—further solidify her position as one of the most formidable players in the world.
### A Perfect Start to the Finals
In her first two matches in Riyadh, Sabalenka looked every bit the World No. 1, putting on clinical displays of power tennis. Against **Zheng**, she was in full control throughout the match, breaking serve twice in the first set and once more in the second. Zheng, who had been in good form leading into the tournament, simply couldn’t handle Sabalenka’s aggressive groundstrokes and relentless return game.
Her win over **Paolini**, who had come into the tournament with plenty of momentum after a **debut victory** over **Rybakina**, was even more impressive. Paolini, who had been on a career-high ranking of No. 4, found herself overwhelmed by Sabalenka’s pace and power. Although the match was closely contested in the first few games, Sabalenka broke serve at critical junctures to take control and closed out the match in just over an hour.
“It’s always great to start a tournament with confidence, especially after coming off two major titles,” Sabalenka said after her victory over Paolini. “But I know the job isn’t done yet. There’s still work to do, and I’m focused on going match by match.”
### The Group Stage Drama: Who Will Join Sabalenka in the Semifinals?
With Sabalenka already through to the **semifinals**, attention now turns to the battle for the second spot in her group. **Jasmine Paolini** and **Zheng Qinwen** will face off in a crucial match to determine who advances. Paolini, having come into the event with a 2-2 head-to-head record against Sabalenka, will be hoping to build on her strong start. However, she must now beat Zheng in her final match to have any hope of advancing, while also hoping that **Rybakina** can pull off an upset against Sabalenka.
Despite **Rybakina** being mathematically out of contention after her two losses, Sabalenka will not take her opponent lightly. The **2022 Wimbledon champion** is known for her competitive spirit, and Sabalenka is expecting a tough test, even if the match doesn’t impact her progression.
“I respect Rybakina a lot,” Sabalenka said before their match. “She’s a dangerous opponent, and I know she can turn things around in a heartbeat. I’ll stay focused and treat every match with the seriousness it deserves.”
### Sabalenka’s Career in Full Bloom
After years of knocking on the door, Sabalenka has truly established herself as one of the premier players in the women’s game. Her 2024 season has been one of the best in recent memory. Not only did she win **two Grand Slam titles**, but she has also maintained a high level of consistency throughout the year, even when facing the strongest challenges from players like **Iga Świątek**, **Jannik Sinner**, and **Carlos Alcaraz**. Her victories at **the Australian Open** and **the US Open** have now been complemented by a **WTA Finals semifinal appearance**, marking the culmination of a stellar season.
Sabalenka’s rise to the top has been characterized by her relentless playing style—one that combines explosive power with a growing tactical maturity. She has developed a reputation for being a heavy hitter with a lethal serve, and as the 2024 season draws to a close, she will be remembered not only for her power but for her ability to thrive on the biggest stages in tennis.
### A Major Feat: The US Open Champion’s Growing Legacy
Sabalenka’s **US Open victory** earlier this year was the culmination of her efforts to finally break through and capture a **first Grand Slam title**. Since then, she has shown no signs of slowing down, securing the **World No. 1 ranking** and continuing her dominant run on the WTA Tour.
Reflecting on her rise to the top, Sabalenka admitted that it’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey: “There have been a lot of ups and downs, but everything has led me to this point. It feels amazing to be No. 1, and I’m not done yet. I want to keep going, and I’m excited for the future.”
With **Sabalenka** now firmly established as one of the most dominant forces in women’s tennis, her future is bright. As she looks to seal her place in the **finals of the WTA Finals**, she will have the chance to add yet another major title to her growing collection. A potential **WTA Finals title** would cap off a historic 2024 season for Sabalenka, solidifying her legacy as one of the most accomplished players in recent years.
### Looking Ahead: The Semifinals and Beyond
With her progression to the **semifinals secured**, Sabalenka will now shift her focus to the next stage of the tournament. Having already set the bar high with her dominant performances in the group stage, she will need to maintain her high level of play to secure the ultimate prize in Riyadh.
But for now, Sabalenka is just enjoying the moment—relishing the opportunity to compete for the title at the **WTA Finals** and looking forward to what’s next in a career that continues to shine brighter each year. As she continues to rewrite the record books, there’s no doubt that **Aryna Sabalenka** is ready to make history once again.