Sabalenka Matches Pierce’s WTA Finals Record After Beating Muchova
Aryna Sabalenka launched her WTA Finals campaign with a decisive performance on Monday afternoon.
The former world number one delivered her finest tennis when it counted most, defeating Wimbledon finalist Karolina Muchova 7-6, 7-5 at the Indian Wells venue in California.
Sabalenka, who has yet to secure the prestigious end-of-year title, is scheduled to face Elina Svitolina and Mirra Andreeva later in the week.
Her latest triumph at the Finals has secured her place in the sport’s historical records.
Aryna Sabalenka equals Mary Pierce’s WTA Finals record
Pierce, the 2000 Roland Garros champion, stands as one of France’s most accomplished athletes.
Nevertheless, the French star never managed to capture the WTA Finals title.
Pierce accumulated 13 match victories at the event across seven tournament appearances, reaching the final twice.
Aryna Sabalenka has now matched Pierce’s total of 13 match wins at the WTA Finals.
According to statisticians OptaAce, Sabalenka has equaled Mary Pierce’s record for the most wins at WTA Finals among non-champions since the event began in 1972.
Most WTA Finals match wins without winning a title
- Aryna Sabalenka – 13
- Mary Pierce – 13
- Virginia Wade – 12
- Arantxa Sanchez Vicario – 11
- Helen Sukova – 11
- Pam Shriver – 11
Sabalenka will assume the sole leadership in this statistical category if she defeats Roland Garros champion Mirra Andreeva on Wednesday afternoon.
Andreeva, who defeated Sabalenka in their previous encounter – the 2025 Indian Wells final – has stated her preference to face the Belarusian in California.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Mirra Andreeva could decide the Group Two champion
Mirra Andreeva also secured victory in her opening match at the 2026 WTA Finals, beating Italian Open champion Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-0.
With that win, Andreeva became the first player born since 2005 to achieve a WTA Finals match victory. Andreeva, from Russia, was born in 2007.
All results at the WTA Finals so far
- Linda Noskova defeated Marta Kostyuk, 6-2, 6-4
- Coco Gauff defeated Jessica Pegula, 6-4, 6-7, 6-2
- Aryna Sabalenka defeated Karolina Muchova, 7-6, 7-5
- Mirra Andreeva defeated Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-0
With both Sabalenka and Andreeva winning their opening matches, Wednesday’s contest will likely determine who emerges from Group Two as the group winner.
As for Svitolina and Muchova, whoever loses their contest will find it difficult to advance to the last four in California.
