World number two Aryna Sabalenka began her WTA Finals campaign with a hard-fought 7-6(2) 7-5 victory over Karolina Muchova as Group 2 action got underway on Monday in Indian Wells, California.
The match marked Sabalenka's sixth consecutive appearance at the season-ending tournament. Muchova was making her debut at the event following a breakthrough season that included titles in Doha and Bad Homsdorf.
In the same group's play, Mirra Andreeva eased past Elina Svitolina.