World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka criticises organisers despite sizzling start to WTA Finals

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka made a superb start to the season-ending WTA Finals by smashing Maria Sakkari 6-0, 6-1 in her opening match in Mexico.

But instead of celebrating her comprehensive victory, the Belarusian voiced her frustration at the tournament's organisation and criticised the lack of practise time on the court.

The 25-year-old Australian Open champion fired six aces and 17 winners while saving all five break points she faced to dispatch Greece's Sakkari in just 74 minutes in Cancun.

The venue for the finals was only confirmed in early September after the WTA and Saudi Arabia failed to reach an agreement and the construction of the court was only completed in the days before Sunday's start.

“I am very disappointed with the WTA and the experience so far at the WTA Finals,” said Sabalenka. “This is not the level of organisation we expect for the Finals.

“To be honest, I don't feel safe moving on this court a lot of the time. The bounce is not consistent at all and we weren't able to practice on this court until yesterday for the first time. It's just not acceptable to me with so much on the line and so much at stake.

“As I said in my press conference tonight, as a player I really feel disrespected by the WTA. I think most of us do.”

American Jessica Pegula defeated Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-2 in 83 minutes in the other singles group stage match at the $9 million outdoor hardcourt showdown.

The big-serving Rybakina looked poised to capture the first set when she stepped to the service line leading 5-3 in the opener but Pegula raised her return game for a crucial break.

Pegula used that momentum to close out the set by winning four straight games and her clean ball striking overwhelmed the Kazakhstani,