Sabalenka wins WTA Finals opener despite wayward serve

Aryna Sabalenka's WTA Finals campaign got off to a winning start, but it was far from convincing. The Belarusian tennis star struggled with her serve, double faulting five times and landing less than half of her first serves, yet still managed to edge out Karolina Muchova in a tight match. This win shows Sabalenka's resilience and ability to adapt under pressure, which will be crucial in her quest for the title.

The WTA Finals is one of the most prestigious events in women's tennis, bringing together the top eight players from the past year. Sabalenka's victory sets her up well in a competitive group, but her serve will need to improve if she is to make a deep run in the tournament. A shaky serve can be a significant liability, particularly against top opponents who can capitalize on mistakes.

Looking ahead, Sabalenka's next match will be closely watched to see if she can iron out the kinks in her serve. The WTA Finals continue to showcase the best of women's tennis, with the world's top players vying for the title and a significant payday. As the tournament progresses, fans will be watching to see which players can overcome early struggles and make a strong push for the championship.

Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. 1800News adds analysis for general news readers.