Aryna Sabalenka stressed finishing the year as world no. 1, rather than just having the title for a fleeting few weeks, was of paramount importance to her in the wake of a painful three-set US Open final defeat last month. If she’s to do so, the Belarusian will have been disadvantaged in the build-up after posting some rather unsatisfactory training conditions in Mexico on social media this week.
How times have changed
Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, the Elite Trophy’s reigning champion from the most recent event four years ago, is now the world no. 1.
Caroline Garcia, who beat her to clinch last year’s WTA Finals title, has endured an unpredictable year on tour and finds herself battling to reach the semis of an elite tournament the rung below the elite eight. Read below, to see how that’s shaping up.
Before then and in what detractors will deem a first-world problem, Sabalenka hasn’t been afraid to criticise the organisation – or lack thereof – as far as available facilities afforded before her year-end tournament begins in Cancun on Monday, October 30.
She won’t be the only player having to experience this issue.
Agency pictures have shown her practising alongside Elena Rybakina today – who she beat in Melbourne for her first Major title – but it’s very much a problem that should be highlighted given these are the world’s best players.
US Open champion Coco Gauff has suffered from a niggling shoulder complaint in recent weeks, while French Open finalist Karolina Muchova regretfully withdrew through a right wrist injury earlier this week and was replaced by Maria Sakkari.
2021 French Open titlist Barbora Krejcikova and US Open semifinalist Madison Keys, 10th and 11th in the WTA Finals race respectively, are the two alternates should anyone else pull out – both playing in China this week. Speaking of…
Elite Trophy event permutations
Former world no. 8 Daria Kasatkina has already progressed through from the Azalea Group, after contrasting victories against Krejcikova and Magda Linette.
Beatriz Haddad Maia is juggling both singles and doubles this week and faces an unpredictable Garcia to decide the Camellia Group winner, after six-time Major semifinalist Madison Keys joined Linette with an unwanted 0-2 record in group play.
In the Orchid Group, things are finely poised: Jelena Ostapenko and Qinwen Zheng both scored gritty three-set wins against Donna Vekic, so the winner of their upcoming match on Friday afternoon will decide who advances into the last-four.
Finally, the same can be said for the Rose Group: Kasatkina’s compatriot Luidmila Samsonova recovered from a set down to topple China’s Lin Zhu, and now faces Veronika Kudermetova knowing victory will see the world no. 14 into the semis too.
Picture source: Getty Images
Mo and Sports 