The four-time Grand Slam champion and current world number one from Belarus, **[Arina Sabalenka]( “/tags/26765-arina-sobolenko/”)**, marked her 500th career match at the WTA level (excluding the Billie Jean King Cup). In the opening round of the WTA Finals group stage, she convincingly defeated Italian player **Jasmine Paolini** (ranked eighth) with a score of 6-3, 6-1.

Throughout her career, Sabalenka has secured 21 titles. This season, she triumphed at tournaments in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid, in addition to defending her title at the US Open.

At the WTA Finals, the Belarusian athlete is set to face the reigning champion, Coco Gauff, in her next match.