The top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) advanced to the semi-finals of the WTA Finals in Cancun after defeating Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) by 2-1 (6:2, 3:6, 6:3) in a match that lasted 2:34 hours and was interrupted yesterday by rain. Thus, the women’s number one achieved her second win in the groups stage of the tournament with a prize money of 9 million USD.
Aryna Sabalenka won the first set a break in the first game and another one in the fifth game to take a lead of 4:1. This proved to be enough for the Belarusian tennis player to close the set at 6:2.
The second set started quite equally with both players won their serve games and exchanged a break in the third and fourth games. Elena Rybakina succeeded to break her opponent in the 8th game of the set, when the match was interrupted by rain. After renewal she served for the set and won it to equalize the score.
The third set started with the longest game of the match at the serve of Aryna Sabalenka. After saving two break points and passing through nine deuces, the Belarusian player succeeded to win it. In the fourth game of the set, Aryna Sabalenka broke the serve of her opponent, but Elena Rybakina immediately returned the break. However, the Belarusian tennis player achieved a second break to lead by 4:2 and this proved to be enough for her to win the set.
Thus, Aryna Sabalenka qualified for the semi-finals of the WTA Finals in Cancun, where will face the world’s number two Iga Swiatek (Poland).
On the other hand, Elena Rybakina failed to advance ahead in the tournament after registering one win and two loses.
