Zheng breezes into WTA Finals last four as Rybakina stuns Sabalenka

Zheng Qinwen crushed Jasmine Paolini to reach the WTA Finals last four as an already-qualified Aryna Sabalenka lost to an inspired Elena Rybakina.

China’s Olympic gold medallist Zheng showcased her power in an easy 6-1 6-1 win that eliminated Italian Paolini.

It left the 22-year-old with a 2-1 group-stage record, with her sole loss coming against Sabalenka on the first day of the tournament.

Zheng is the second Chinese woman to reach the semi-finals of the tournament following the legendary Li Na in 2013.

“I didn’t know what would happen when I came here,” she said. “I just told myself to enjoy it, especially because I am in a really difficult group.”

Sabalenka, who clinched the year-end world number one ranking earlier in the week, fell 6-4 3-6 6-1 to Rybakina in a big-hitting encounter.

The Belarusian, 26, still finished the round-robin stage as the group winner, with her opponent already eliminated after losses to Zheng and Paolini.

“It’s nice to finish the year with at least one win against the world number one. I’m just happy,” said 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina.

The placings in the second group have yet to be decided, with American Coco Gauff the only player to have secured her semi-final spot.

One of Barbora Krejcikova, who plays Gauff on Thursday, or Iga Swiatek will advance alongside her.

Poland’s Swiatek had been due to play the already-eliminated Jessica Pegula, but the American withdrew on Wednesday with a knee injury and will be replaced by alternate Daria Kasatkina.

The tournament, contested between the top eight singles and doubles players, offers record prize money, with an unbeaten singles champion set to collect just under £4m.

The WTA Finals are being held in Saudi Arabia for the first time – a move which has been criticised by some because of the country’s human rights record.