Aryna Sabalenka began her 2026 WTA Finals campaign with a straight-sets victory over Karolina Muchova, winning 7-6(2), 7-5 in their Group 2 opening match on November 9.
The world number two secured the match in one hour and 53 minutes, overcoming a competitive challenge from Muchova, who was making her tournament debut.
The first set featured several changes in momentum. Muchova twice moved ahead by a break, including when she led 5-4 while serving for the set. Sabalenka responded with breaks on both occasions to take the contest into a tiebreak.
Sabalenka controlled the tiebreak, winning it 7-2 to take the opening set.
The second set was similarly close, with both players exchanging breaks. Sabalenka moved ahead 5-3 but was unable to close out the match immediately. Muchova broke back to level the score at 5-5.
Sabalenka regained the advantage in the following game, breaking Muchova before serving out the match to secure the victory.
The result extended Sabalenka’s record of winning her opening match at the WTA Finals to five consecutive appearances. She is competing in the tournament for the sixth successive year and is seeking her first title at the season-ending event.
Muchova entered the match with a winning head-to-head record against Sabalenka, having won three of their previous five meetings.
In the other Group 2 match, French Open champion Mirra Andreeva defeated Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-0. Andreeva saved all six break points she faced to win her first match at the tournament.
Sabalenka will next face Andreeva in the group stage.
