Aryna Sabalenka rallies to stun Ons Jabeur in thrilling WTA Finals encounter

World No.7 Aryna Sabalenka improved to 3-1 in career meetings against Ons Jabeur, overcoming the Tunisian in their group stage match at the 2022 WTA Finals.

Sabalenka fought back from a set deficit to record a 3-6 7-6(5) 7-5 victory, edging out the World No.2 in a thrilling late-night encounter. Jabeur dominated the first set, winning 80% of points behind her first serve without facing a break point.

However, it was a different tale in the second set, as the recent Wimbledon finalist was unable to replicate her serving prowess. The Tunisian won only 6 of 24 points behind her second serve, due to Sabalenka's aggressive approach. The Belarusian teed off on any short balls, racing to a 3-0 lead. Nonetheless, Jabeur broke back before a tiebreak ensued that saw Sabalenka emerge victorious.

The final set saw Jabeur again fail to dictate play, as Sabalenka again broke the Tunisian's serve. Another exchange of breaks saw the set tied at 5-5, but it was Sabalenka who employed her powerful groundstrokes from the baseline to obtain the final break and close out the match after two hours and 28 minutes.

The Nancy Richey Group, which also includes Jessica Pegula and Maria Sakkari, is still wide open despite Jabeur's loss. Sakkari stunned Pegula earlier in their group stage encounter, and currently sits atop the group.