Zheng Qinwen Reaches WTA Finals Semi-Finals, Sabalenka Defeated by Rybakina

Zheng Qinwen has advanced to the semi-finals of the WTA Finals with a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory over Jasmine Paolini, while Aryna Sabalenka, who had already secured the world number one ranking earlier this week, was defeated by Elena Rybakina in a thrilling 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 match.

The 22-year-old Chinese player, an Olympic gold medalist, produced a commanding performance to eliminate Italy's Paolini, leaving her with a 2-1 record in the group stage. Zheng's only loss came against Sabalenka on the opening day of the tournament.

With her win, Zheng became the second Chinese woman in history to reach the WTA Finals semi-finals, joining Li Na, who achieved the feat in 2013.

“I didn't know what would happen when I came here,” Zheng said. “I just told myself to enjoy it, especially because I am in a really difficult group.”

Despite her loss, Sabalenka finished as the group winner, as she had previously beaten both Paolini and Rybakina in earlier matches. The 26-year-old Belarusian had already clinched the year-end number one ranking but could not fend off Rybakina in their encounter.

For Rybakina, the victory was significant as she ended her round-robin stage with a 1-2 record but earned a win over the world number one. “It's nice to finish the year with at least one win against the world number one. I'm just happy,” said Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion.

Meanwhile, the other group remains undecided with American Coco Gauff already securing her semi-final spot. The second semi-finalist will be determined from the remaining matches, with either Barbora Krejcikova or Iga Swiatek advancing alongside Gauff.

Swiatek was scheduled to play Jessica Pegula, but the American withdrew from the tournament due to a knee injury. Pegula will be replaced by Daria Kasatkina, who will compete as an alternate. Kasatkina had previously expressed concerns about playing in Saudi Arabia but had been reassured about her safety.

The 2023 WTA Finals are taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the event is being held in the country. However, the decision has sparked controversy due to concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record.