Sabalenka beats Muchova in opening WTA Finals match

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 10 Nov, 05:38 · Archive

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Karolina Muchova 7-6 (7-2) 7-5 in the opening match of the WTA Finals at Indian Wells.

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Karolina Muchova 7-6 (7-2) 7-5 in the opening match of Group 2 at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells on Monday. The match was closely contested throughout, with both players exchanging breaks of serve. Sabalenka trailed in the first set but broke back immediately both times before dominating the tiebreaker.

The second set followed a similar pattern. Muchova, the Wimbledon finalist and world number seven, twice forced Sabalenka to come from a break down before Sabalenka secured the decisive break at 5-5 to clinch the match on her second match point.

Sabalenka is making her sixth consecutive appearance at the WTA Finals but has never won the tournament. She was runner-up last year to Elena Rybakina, who also beat her in the Australian Open and US Open finals this season. The withdrawal of Rybakina, currently world number one, due to a viral illness strengthens Sabalenka's chances of winning the title for the first time.

According to the BBC, Sabalenka struggled with her serve throughout the match, producing seven double faults to four aces whilst landing 59 per cent of her first serves. She told Sky Sports that challenging light conditions at the venue affected her serve. "It was a bit tricky with the sun and with the shade," she said. "Sometimes I had to adjust my toss, sometimes I had to serve blind, but it's all part of the game."

Sabalenka's serve aside, her forehand grew stronger as the match progressed. The Independent reports that Muchova had begun the tournament with a winning record over Sabalenka but failed to capitalise on her opportunities to take control. World number two Sabalenka also won the Indian Wells title in March and is considered a favourite for the season-ending tournament.

How it is being reported

• Aryna Sabalenka downs Karolina Muchova to kick-start WTA Finals campaignSabalenka has never lifted the trophy before.Independent Sport · 9 Nov, 23:57
• Aryna Sabalenka downs Karolina Muchova to kick-start WTA Finals campaignSabalenka has never lifted the trophy before.Independent Sport · 9 Nov, 23:19
• Sabalenka wins WTA Finals opener despite wayward serveAryna Sabalenka grapples with a misfiring serve as she begins her WTA Finals campaign with a tight victory over Karolina Muchova.BBC News · 9 Nov, 23:10
• Sabalenka overcomes Muchova test in WTA Finals openerHighlights of Aryna Sabalenka against Karolina Muchova from the WTA Finals.Sky Sports · 9 Nov, 22:17
• Sabalenka starts pursuit of WTA Finals title with opening winAryna Sabalenka got off to a winning start at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, battling past Karolina Muchova 7-6 (7-2) 7-5 in the opening match in Group 2 on Monday.Sky Sports · 9 Nov, 20:19

In this story: Aryna Sabalenka · Karolina Muchova · Elena Rybakina · Mirra Andreeva · WTA Finals · Indian Wells

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log