Previous to the beginning of the WTA Finals on Saturday, 25-year-old Rybakina had not performed on tour for 2 months due to a mixture of sickness and harm, and her opening match towards Paolini resulted in a straight-set defeat.
The previous Wimbledon champion had appeared fatigued throughout that match however began stronger towards Zheng, placing stress on the serve early on with the Chinese language seventh seed compelled to save lots of two break factors early within the opening set.
Momentum then swung Zheng’s method as she sealed a primary break of serve on the way in which to a 4-1 lead, however as her unforced error rely began to creep upwards, Rybakina was in a position to struggle again into the set by profitable three successive video games.
But within the deciding tie-break, Rybakina nudged a return lengthy to wrap up the opener for Zheng on her second set level.
Little may separate the pair firstly of the second set, however Rybakina discovered a much-needed increased gear after going 3-2 and a break down.
After getting the speedy break again, she saved two additional break factors from 15-40 down, reeling off three aces within the sport earlier than touchdown a backhand on the Zheng baseline.
That was within the second of 4 successive sport wins to seal the second set, however Rybakina got here unstuck once more within the decider.
As she grew weary, opponent Zheng was in a position to capitalise with a break for 3-1 from which she by no means appeared again, wrapping up her maiden WTA Finals win on her first match level.
