ARYNA CREDITS 'BEST TEAM EVER'

She says their work spurs her to progress in WTA Finals and seal year-end top spot

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RIYADH - It was no surprise that a big tennis star like Aryna Sabalenka would progress in the WTA Finals, but the Belarusian was quick to credit her team for helping her get to where she is today, on top of the world.

On November 4, the world No. 1 secured a semi-final berth at the season-ending tournament by beating Italian fourth seed Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 7-5 to stay unbeaten in the purple round-robin group.

The 26-year-old Belarusian also secured the year-end No. 1 ranking after Poland's second-ranked Iga Swiatek lost to American Coco Gauff on November 5.

"I'm proud of myself, but not only myself, my team," Sabalenka said after her win.

"We were able to overcome a lot of things. To be able to show such great tennis and become world No. 1, it's teamwork. It's not only me."

"Nobody sees the behind-the-scenes work. But they do a lot for me. I really appreciate them for everything they do for me."

"This is motivation for me to keep winning on this court. Those guys deserve to be called the best team ever."