Masters tournament: Sobolenko followed her dream, Rybakin’s comeback failed – Tennis

Belarusian tennis player Arina Sobolenková has successfully entered the WTA Tour WC tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Arina Sobolenková is among the biggest favorites at the Tournament of Champions.

In the Saturday match of the A-group, the world number one defeated the seventh player of the WTA ranking Zheng Qin-wen from China 6:3, 6:4. In the next duel of the group, the Italian Jasmine Paoliniová won over the Kazakh Jelena Rybakinová 7:6 (5), 6:4.

The reigning Australian Open and US Open champion Sobolenko beat the Chinese woman in all five matches. However, he does not underestimate the 22-year-old rival, who enjoyed winning the Olympic gold in the summer.

“Qin-wen is a really great player and we’ve always had great battles against each other. He plays very aggressive tennis. I am very happy about the victory, especially against such a demanding opponent,” said Sobolenko after the triumph.

Winning the tournament would be a dream come true for the 26-year-old Belarusian. “It would mean everything to me. It is one of my dreams and I have worked really hard in the past years. I really hope that one day I will be able to hold this beautiful trophy,” Sobolenko added, according to AFP.

Paoliniová also successfully entered the tournament. She took advantage of Rybakin’s long playing break, the world number five had health problems and previously made her last competitive appearance at the August US Open. “It’s amazing, I’m really happy about today’s victory. All matches here are difficult and Jelena plays incredibly. It’s good to see her playing again,” Paolini said.