Martina Navratilova issues take on Aryna Sabalenka's WTA Finals chances

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Martina Navratilova expects Aryna Sabalenka to be "full of confidence" and deliver at the WTA Finals in Cancun. Sabalenka, who has been the top-ranked player in women's tennis since the US Open, is set for her third consecutive appearance at the WTA Finals.

On Friday, Sabalenka was placed in the Bacalar Group with Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula and Maria Sakkari. The WTA Finals is the big stage and Sabalenka - who made at least the semifinal in all four Grand Slams this year - is considered among the top favorites for the title at the WTA Finals.

In Cancun, Sabalenka will also attempt to secure the Year-End No 1 ranking.

Navratilova backs Sabalenka for a strong WTA Finals run

"Consistent enough, but most consistent in the majors, right? That’s where the numbers come in.

I thought that Iga was going to finish the year No 1, but Ayrna caught her. So, the No 1 is up for grabs. She’s played the most consistently in the big events, and I expect her to do that again in this one. I know she wasn’t that happy in Guadalajara -- the ball was flying on her too much -- but I think in Cancun she’ll have an easier time.

Being at sea level, she should be full of confidence. Unless there is some scar tissue from the US Open final -- she knows she could have won, but didn’t. She just didn’t play her best tennis. The pressure’s off and she’s probably going to finish with the No 1 --- I bet she didn’t expect that at the beginning of the year," Navratilova told the WTA website.

In her WTA Finals opener, Sabalenka will be taking on Maria Sakkari. Last year, Sabalenka fell just short of winning the WTA Finals after losing to Caroline Garcia in the final. It remains to be seen if Sabalenka can go a step further this year and win her first WTA Finals title.