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.

From start to finish, Aryna Sabalenka was the best tennis player this year. Sabalenka's dominant season was bookmarked with Australian Open and US Open titles, with plenty of winning in between. While she is still competing in the WTA Finals in Riyadh,