Once again, we’re up for a high-voltage clash at the WTA Finals! Belarusian superstar, Aryna Sabalenka, takes on Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the second group stage match on Monday (November 4). As things stand as of now, Sabalenka will progress to the SF as group leader if she manages to beat Paolini in this match. The Italian would advance into the last four by winning in two sets against Sabalenka. Not only that, Sabalenka now just needs just two more wins to secure her top spot and end the year on the highest note. Can she take the second step forward towards that milestone with a win against Paolini?

Aryna Sabalenka vs Jasmine Paolini: Preview

Aryna Sabalenka has had a wonderful season this year! She started her season by reaching the final of the Brisbane International. After that came her title triumph at the Australian Open. She defeated China’s Qinwen Zheng in the final by 6-3, 6-2. Her second title of the season came at the Cincinnati Masters, but the most remarkable triumph came at the US Open, where she defeated America’s Jessica Pegula in two sets. Recently, she also won a title at the Wuhan Open. Looking at the form, Sabalenka is in at the moment. 

Talking about WTA Finals, Aryna Sabalenka has already defeated Qinwen Zheng in her first match by 6-3,6-4. Can she extend her winning streak? Well, the answer lies in the hands of someone who has been a revelation this season!

Jasmine Paolini won a title at the Dubai Tennis Championships this year. However, her most remarkable performances came at the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships. She reached the finals on both occasions, but unfortunately for the Italian, she had to face defeat in both of those matches. Here in Riyadh, she started her campaign with a win against Elena Rybakina in the first match. Can she come up with another challenge against the mighty ‘Tigress’?

Sabalenka vs Paolini: Head-to-Head

Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paoline have met each other four times in their careers as of now. However, interesting the H2H scoreline is well poised at 2-2!

• 2023 Beijing R16: Sabalenka 6-4,7-6(4).
• 2022 Indian Wells Masters R64: Paolini 2-6,6-3,6-3.
• 2020 Linz R32: Sabalenka 6-4,6-4
• 2017 Ilkley R32: Paolini 4-6,7-5,7-6(2).

Prediction: Sabalenka to win in straight sets

Despite coming close to winning titles multiple times, Jasmine Paolini has failed to deliver when it mattered the most. However, Aryna Sabalenka has time and again proved this year why she’s one of the best in business in women’s tennis. Her two Grand Slam triumphs are a testimony to it! She’s currently ranked 1 and she’ll be keen to hold on to this lead and end the year on the highest note. Aryna Sabalenka has a win-loss record of 55-12 this season. On the other hand, Paolini (4) has a win-loss record of 40-18. So, considering all these factors, we’re keeping Sabalenka ahead in this epic contest. But there are other factors too.

Aryna Sabalenka has been playing at a much higher level than her peers during this season. However, Jasmine Paolini’s solid all-around game and great anticipation skills on the court can cause a few troubles for the Belarusian in this match. If we take a closer look at their playing styles, Paolini’s playing style is dynamic, aggressive, and characterized by powerful groundstrokes. She uses a heavy topspin on her forehand, but hits flat on her backhand. Her incredible speed and agility make her a real threat on the court!

On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka is more of a baseliner with a powerful, aggressive style of play. She can generate a lot of power behind her serves and groundstrokes. Her game is more based on taking control of points and hitting winners. If she makes a good start in this match, then Sabalenka has the potential to wrap up this match pretty quickly. Despite Paolini’s incredible runs at the two major events this season, we’re expecting Sabalenka to end this match on a winning note! Her hunger to retain the top spot is surely unmatched at the moment.