Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina produced a major upset at the WTA Finals by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to secure a place in the semi-finals. Svitolina won 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 after a strong performance in the deciding set, ending Sabalenka’s hopes of progressing further in the season-ending tournament. The Ukrainian controlled important moments of the match and broke her opponent’s serve six times. The victory was particularly significant because it marked her first win over Sabalenka in more than six years, improving her record against the Belarusian to two victories and six defeats.
Svitolina said the match had been difficult, explaining that she lost some rhythm after winning the opening set but was pleased with how she recovered in the final set. She will now face Linda Noskova for a place in the tournament final. Sabalenka, meanwhile, ended her season without another major title after earlier victories at Brisbane, Indian Wells and the Miami Open. She also lost the world number one ranking to Elena Rybakina at the US Open. Svitolina again chose not to shake hands with Sabalenka after the match, continuing her position toward Russian and Belarusian players following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The result added another dramatic moment to the season’s final major women’s tennis event.
