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2024 WTA Finals: Sabalenka defeats China’s Zheng Qinwen in opener

An archive photo

MINSK, 3 November (BelTA) – World number one Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus went on a good note to defeat China’s Zheng Qinwen (World No.7), 6-3, 6-4, in the 2024 WTA Finals opener in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, BelTA has learned.

In the second match of the group Italy’s world number 4 Jasmine Paolini defeated No.5 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan 7-6(5), 6-4.

In the other group World No2 Iga Swiatek of Poland will face World No.13 Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic, and World No.3 Coco Gauff of the United States will take on USA’s World No.6 Jessica Pegula. The group stage will be over on 7 November, with two best athletes from each group advancing to the semifinal. The final will be played on 9 November.

The 2024 WTA Finals will set a record-setting prize pool of $15.25 million. The singles champion will pocket no less than $4.45 million. If a player goes unbeaten towards the title, they could earn as much as $5.15 million and 1,500 points. A year ago, Iga Swiatek beat Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-0 in the final.

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