While awaiting Jannik Sinner and the ATP Finals in Turin, set to kick off next week, all eyes of tennis enthusiasts are on Riyadh and the WTA Finals, featuring Italy’s own Jasmine Paolini. In Saudi Arabia, the round-robin matches are underway, with Paolini expected to take the court today for her last group match. The decisive showdown between Paolini and Zheng is set for 1:30 pm.
In the group standings, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has already secured a spot in the semifinals with wins over both Zheng and Paolini. Both players, meanwhile, have defeated Elena Rybakina, who has been eliminated from the tournament. The Paolini-Zheng match will determine the second semifinalist from their group. Paolini needs only a win, regardless of the score, over the Chinese WTA No. 7 to advance. It will be a straightforward head-to-head: the winner goes through to the semifinals.
In Riyadh, Paolini is also facing a packed schedule. The Italian also played yesterday in the doubles tournament, where she partners with Sara Errani. After an initial win in the round-robin over Dolehide and Krawczyk, the duo suffered a loss to Dabrowski and Routliffe. The doubles outcome, too, will be decided in the final group match, as Errani and Paolini face Chan and Kudermetova on Thursday, by which time Paolini will already know her fate in the singles tournament.
Tennis: Jasmine Paolini rises to WTA no. 4, eyes on the top 3
30 Oct - 08:44 •
1' min
