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The top-ranked Sabalenka cruised in the first
set after building a 4-0 lead, then saved two set points in the
second to advance at the year-ending tournament for the top
eight ranked players.
Sabalenka will face already eliminated Elena Rybakina on
Wednesday in the final group match of the week.
Sabalenka has won 22 of her last 23 matches, and three of the
last four tournaments in which she played.
Another round-robin win will secure her the year-end No. 1
ranking for the first time in her career.
In the other Purple Group match, Zheng Qinwen defeated Rybakina
7-6 (4) 3-6, 6-1 to maintain chances of advancing.
It was Zheng's first career win over Rybakina in three tries.
Rybakina sits at 0-2 and can't advance to the semifinals. She
lost to Paolini on Saturday, while Sabalenka eased to a
straight-set victory over Zheng in the opening match in Saudi
Arabia.
Zheng and Paolini will play each other on Wednesday, with the
winner advancing to her first WTA Finals semifinal to face the
winner of the Orange Group.
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