Aryna Sabalenka had lost to Maria Sakkari at the WTA Finals in each of the last two seasons. Not this year, however.

The top-ranked Belarusian stormed past her Greek rival on Sunday in Cancun, wrapping up the singles show on Day 1 of the WTA Finals with a 6-0, 6-1 thumping.



“It wasn’t as easy as the scoreline showed,” Sabalenka said after the match.

Sabalenka stormed through the first 11 games, and had three match points to become just the third player to record a double bagel in the 52 year history of the WTA Finals, but Sakkari saved face and came away with the game before giving way in a lopsided contest that lasted 74 minutes.

Sabalenka, who aims to finish the season with the WTA’s No.1 ranking for the first time, saved all five break points she faced and joins Jessica Pegula at the top of the Bacalar group with a 2-0 record and zero sets lost.

Wow.

World #1 Aryna Sabalenka, trying to defend her spot this week, beats #9 Maria Sakkari... 6-0, 6-1 in her first group stage match of the week in Cancún. Had 3 Mps at 6-0, 5-0...

Crazy.@WTAFinals pic.twitter.com/550OASGCFX

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 30, 2023

Sakkari, an alternate at the event who gained entry when Karolina Muchova pulled out due to injury, was shaky on the forehand side and gradually lost confidence in her game as the match progressed.

She falls to 3-7 lifetime against Sabalenka.

Sabalenka improves to 54-12 on the season, and 34-7 on hard courts.

She says playing as the new World No.1 is tricky because the rest of the tour is gunning for her more than ever before, but believes that it will be critical for her to stay focused on her goals and work harder than ever.

“It’s good to reach one of your goals, but honestly it’s not changing anything. You still need to bring your best tennis because I feel like as World No.1 you have a huge target on your back – you need to work harder. Not much has changed, you still need to bring your best tennis.”

Sabalenka and Swiatek are going head-to-head for the No.1 ranking this week in Cancun, but the Belarusian holds the advantage after rising to No.1 and ending the Pole's reign at 75 weeks.

Below are the scenarios that will allow Aryna Sabalenka to maintain the No.1 ranking in Cancun.

• If Swiatek loses a round-robin match, Sabalenka can secure No.1 by going undefeated in round-robin play or reaching the final.
• If Swiatek loses two round-robin matches, Sabalenka can secure No.1 with a 2-1 round-robin record.
• Assuming Sabalenka plays all three of her group matches, Swiatek must make the final to have a chance to finish at No.1.
• If Sabalenka goes 0-3 in group play, then Swiatek would need to win the title or reach the final with a 3-0 group record.
• If Sabalenka goes 1-2 in group play, then Swiatek would need to win the title.
• If Sabalenka goes 2-1 in group play, then Swiatek would need to win the title with at least two round-robin wins.
• If Sabalenka goes 3-0 in group play, then Swiatek would need to run the table, winning the title with a 3-0 group record.