Aryna Sabalenka recovered from a break down in the third set to beat Jessica Pegula 6-4 2-6 6-3 at the WTA Finals and became the first player since Serena Williams in 2013 to register 60 wins at the WTA level as the world No. 1.
Sabalenka, who overtook Iga Swiatek at the top spot in October 2024, has been firmly holding the position since. While Swiatek had a chance to finish as the Year-End No. 1, the Belarusian tennis star ensured finishing as the top-ranked player in the game even before the WTA Finals started.
Through her opening two matches in Riyadh, Sabalenka owns a perfect 2-0 record after overcoming Jasmine Paolini and Pegula. And by doing so, the 27-year-old also pulled off a Williams feat.
61 – Aryna Sabalenka (61) is the first player to register over 60 wins at WTA-level as the World No.1 in a single season since Serena Williams in 2013 (66). Forward. #WTAFinalsRiyadh | @WTA @WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/0KBZpv2dEX
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) November 4, 2025
Sabalenka was made to work hard by Pegula
Sabalenka may have won the third set of her match against Pegula with a 6-3 scoreline, but it was all but an easy set for the Belarusian since she trailed by a break after the opening three games of the deciding set.
“She always pushes me to the limit. In the second set, I felt like she stepped in and played incredible tennis. In the third set, I was thinking, 'OK, I’m going to go after my shots, I’m going to stay even more aggressive and put all that speed back on her and hope I’ll get my chance.' And yeah, again she pushed me and I love it. I love playing against her because it’s never an easy match. It's always great tennis, great level, great points and I’m super happy with the win," the four-time Grand Slam champion admitted after the match.
Next up for Sabalenka is a WTA Finals showdown versus Gauff.
