Aryna Sabalenka is the first player to secure a semi-final spot at the WTA Finals but her victory over Jasmine Paolini spells the end of the road for Elena Rybakina.

Aryna Sabalenka will end the year as world No. 1 for the first time, 12 months on from surrendering the honor in the final stages of the season.

No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus had little trouble getting past China's Qinwen Zheng in a group-stage match at the WTA Finals on Saturday, prevailing 6-3, 6-4 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Sabalenka finished with just three aces to Zheng's eight,