RIYADH :Top seed Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her WTA Finals campaign with a dominant 6-3 6-1 win over Jasmine Paolini on Sunday, registering her fifth straight victory over the world number eight.

The U.S. Open champion landed 11 aces and frustrated Paolini with powerful returns near the sidelines, with the Italian growing tired as the match progressed.

World number one Sabalenka has now won 60 matches on the tour this year.

"Doesn't matter the score, I always know I have to stay focused. If you give (Paolini) an opportunity she will take control of the game," Sabalenka said. "I was focused, I was calm and it feels like everything was in control."

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