Second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka is chasing her first ever WTA Finals victory after suffering defeats in the 2022 and 2025 finals. (EPA Image pic)LOS ANGELES: Aryna Sabalenka battled past Karolina Muchova in straight sets to make a winning start at the season-ending WTA Finals in Indian Wells on Monday.
Former world No 1 Sabalenka was forced to dig deep before finally prevailing 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 in just under two hours.
Second-seeded Sabalenka is chasing her first ever WTA Finals victory after suffering defeats in the 2022 and 2025 finals.
The four-time Grand Slam champion from Belarus looked to be in trouble after conceding a break of serve to go 5-4 down in the opening set.
