World number one Aryna Sabalenka has become the first player to qualify for the semi-final stage of the WTA Finals after getting a straight sets win over Jasmine Paolini.
Sabalenka won the first set 6-3 against Paolini before being made to sweat by the Italian in the second set, which went to tie-break before Sabalenka eventually prevailed 7-5 to reach the semis in Riyadh.
It takes her even closer to ending the year as world number one, having taken top spot from Swiatek within the last fortnight. Sabalenka’s last group stage match comes up on Wednesday against Elena Rybakina.
Rybakina is already eliminated from the season-ending tournament in Saudi Arabia after Sabalenka’s win over Paolini coupled with loses to the Italian and to Olympic champion, Qinwen Zheng earlier in the week.