"I loved how she pushed me to my limits," Sabalenka discusses Pegula after their WTA Finals clash

Aryna Sabalenka moved closer to qualifying for the WTA Finals semi-finals after securing her second win in as many matches since the start of the tournament.

Sabalenka is now very close to the final four at the Riyadh Women's Masters. After her victory against Jasmine Paolini, the world number one had to work a bit harder in her second group stage match against Jessica Pegula (6-4, 2-6, 6-3) but got the job done.

She will qualify for the semi-finals and secure first place in her group if she wins a set against Coco Gauff this Thursday. On court after her win, Sabalenka shared her initial thoughts.

"She played an incredible match at the net. Every time I tried to hit the ball softer cross-court, she was there. I thought to myself: 'Well, I have nothing else to do but hit as hard and as fast as possible down the line.'

She showed me why she is so strong in doubles. I loved the fact that she pushed me to my limits. The atmosphere is unreal, guys. Compared to last year, I didn't expect to have so many people in the stands.

Thank you all so much for your support, I love playing in front of all of you and see you on Thursday," Sabalenka assured the WTA media right after her victory.