Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen are set for yet another showdown this season, opening their campaigns at the prestigious WTA Finals with a highly anticipated rematch. The competition, which showcases the top eight women’s players of the year, brings Sabalenka and Zheng back to face off once again, renewing their on-court rivalry after multiple battles earlier this season. The tournament draw, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, revealed exciting opening matchups, including this one.
Sabalenka, who recently claimed the No. 1 spot in the world rankings, has dominated her encounters with Zheng so far in 2023, creating an intriguing dynamic for this upcoming match. Their most recent encounters, in which Sabalenka outplayed Zheng, include the US Open quarterfinal and the final at the Wuhan Open, where Sabalenka secured decisive victories. These wins add to her earlier triumph over Zheng in this year’s Australian Open final, where she managed to beat the Chinese player in two straight sets. Heading into their WTA Finals matchup, Sabalenka carries not only confidence from these past victories but also the poise of the world’s top player—a title she has been defending fiercely all season.
However, Zheng Qinwen has grown as a competitor throughout the year. Her powerful baseline game and athleticism make her a formidable opponent, even against top-ranked players like Sabalenka. This upcoming clash at the WTA Finals presents an opportunity for Zheng to make a statement by avenging her losses and proving her resilience on one of the sport’s biggest stages. Known for her aggressive playstyle and never-say-die attitude, Zheng will look to capitalize on any opportunity to turn the tables on Sabalenka and end the season on a high note.
Meanwhile, the WTA Finals will also see world No. 2 Iga Świątek, fresh off a break since the US Open, square off against the reigning Wimbledon champion, Barbora Krejčíková. Świątek, who recently changed coaches, appears determined to make a powerful return in Riyadh. Although she has been away from competition for a while, the Polish star remains one of the tour’s most consistent and strategic players, bringing an impressive level of skill and tactical depth to the court. Krejčíková, who has struggled recently with a modest 2-4 record over her last four tournaments, may face a challenge against Świątek, despite having beaten her in their last two encounters.
Their head-to-head history, however, adds an interesting twist: Krejčíková won their previous two matches, both of which took place on hard courts—first in Ostrava in 2022, and then in Dubai earlier this year. Krejčíková’s strong net game and versatile style have posed difficulties for Świątek before, and if the Czech player can regain her form, she may well have the edge in this matchup. Yet, Świątek’s time off and new coaching may contribute fresh elements to her game, making her a wildcard in this encounter.
Elena Rybakina’s return is another notable storyline at the WTA Finals. The Kazakhstani player, who has been absent from the circuit since the US Open for undisclosed reasons, will make her comeback in Riyadh, heightening the anticipation surrounding her performance. The 2022 Wimbledon champion has been one of the most prominent players in women’s tennis, known for her powerful serve and solid hard-court play. Her opponent in the opening round will be Italian Jasmine Paolini, who was a runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon this year.
The two players have met before, splitting their recent matches. Rybakina won their encounter in Stuttgart, but Paolini took the victory in a three-set battle during the quarterfinal at Roland Garros. This time, on the hard courts of Riyadh, Rybakina may be seen as the favorite, given her well-documented prowess on fast surfaces. However, her two-month hiatus leaves some uncertainty about her form and readiness. Her performance against Paolini will likely reveal whether she can quickly regain her top-level play and continue her momentum at the Finals.
In the remaining match of the opening round, two American stars—Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula—will face off. Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, comes into the tournament with momentum and confidence, yet Pegula, the elder of the two, holds a dominant 4-1 head-to-head record over her young compatriot. Pegula’s consistent and powerful baseline play has often posed challenges for Gauff, who has made strides in improving her game but has struggled to find solutions against Pegula’s steady style. Their WTA Finals showdown promises to be a captivating battle of contrasting styles and personalities, with Gauff aiming to overcome her head-to-head disadvantage and Pegula looking to extend her winning streak against the younger player.
As these top players prepare to battle it out in Riyadh, the WTA Finals promise excitement and unpredictability. Sabalenka and Świątek will each seek to cement their places at the top of women’s tennis, while Rybakina’s return and the all-American showdown between Gauff and Pegula add depth and intrigue to the event. With its mix of established champions and rising stars, this year’s WTA Finals are set to be a memorable conclusion to a remarkable season in women’s tennis. Fans worldwide will be eagerly watching to see who can rise to the occasion and claim the final prestigious title of the year.