Aryna Sabalenka started her WTA Finals campaign in Indian Wells with a victory, overcoming Karolina Muchova 7-6 (7-2), 7-5 on Monday. Mirra Andreeva was also victorious on the same day as Group 2 action got underway.
Sabalenka Battles Past Muchova
Sabalenka is aiming to capture the WTA Finals title for the first time after finishing as the runner-up twice previously, including a loss last year to Elena Rybakina, who overtook her for the world No. 1 ranking this season. Her chances received a boost following Rybakina’s late withdrawal from the tournament due to a viral illness and fatigue. However, Muchova pushed the four-time Grand Slam champion across a contest that lasted nearly two hours.
In the opening set, Muchova secured breaks to lead 3-2 and later 5-4, but Sabalenka immediately broke back on both occasions. After missing two set points on Muchova’s serve at 6-5, Sabalenka dominated the tiebreaker, dropping only two points. The second set saw Sabalenka lose a break advantage twice before she earned the crucial break to lead 6-5, eventually securing the win on her second match point.
Speaking to Sky Sports following her match, Sabalenka praised her opponent’s game. “It was a tough battle, it’s always tough matches against her,” Sabalenka said. “She’s such a high IQ player and every time you have to be focussed, ready for everything and have to play smart.” She added: “I’m super happy I was able to start with a win.”
Andreeva Sweeps Svitolina
World No. 3 Andreeva recorded a swift 6-4, 6-0 victory over Elina Svitolina in 71 minutes. The 19-year-old French Open champion saved a break point early in the first set before earning three break opportunities at 0-40 in the next game, converting the first to take a 3-2 lead that carried her through the set. In the second set, Andreeva won six straight games against the world No. 6, despite having to fend off four break points while serving for the match.
Andreeva entered the match following recent comments by Jessica Pegula, who was caught on a practice session microphone referring to Andreeva as a “diva” who “needs to be humbled.” WTA chair Valerie Camillo subsequently issued an apology for “a lack of advanced notice and clear signage” regarding live microphones and confirmed that practice session audio would be turned off moving forward.
Despite her decisive scoreline, Andreeva told Sky Sports that she felt immense pressure during the contest. “I don’t remember myself being so nervous on the court,” Andreeva said. “I felt like my legs were shaking. It was extremely tough, so I’m super happy to get through the match.”
She further reflected on her physical state during the match. “My main goal today was to try to block out all of the thoughts and the emotions, force myself to move like supersonic, but it felt completely the opposite – I felt like an elephant,” Andreeva said, noting that overcoming the nerves would build her confidence for future matches.
Tournament action in Group 1 began on Sunday, where Pegula suffered a defeat against fellow American Coco Gauff in a group that also includes Linda Noskova and Marta Kostyuk.
