In recent weeks Aryna Sabalenka is in cosmic form. After triumphs at the US Open and WTA 1000 Wuhan, the current leader of the world ranking joined WTA Finals. During the tournament ending this year's season, he is also – so far – unrivaled. In the first match, she defeated Qinwen Zheng quite easily, winning 6:3, 6:4. Jasmine caused her a bit more trouble Paolini.
Sabalenka confident of promotion! A “parsley match” awaits her
Although Sabalenka won the first set 6:3, the second set ended with the score 7:5. – The whole match was very difficult. She's a great competitor, she put a lot of pressure on, she moved great. I'm very happy about today's victory. Yes, the second set was quite complicated. Honestly, I tried to stay aggressive, show her that I would fight for this set, no matter what. In fact, halfway through the second set I was already thinking about the third set. Then I thought: wait, it hasn't happened yet. I decided to fight, I wanted to see what would happen. Ultimately, I was able to win, she said in the post-match interview.
On Wednesday around The fight between Aryna Sabalenka and Yelena Rybakina is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. On paper, such a duel looks really interesting. Meanwhile, it turns out that the meeting between the WTA ranking leader and the world's fifth racket in the third round of the WTA Finals group stage might not take place at all!
This is because even before entering the court, the Belarusian is sure of advancing to the semi-finals from the first place. Kazaszka, however, has certainly come to terms with the fact that she will finish this year's finals in last place in the group. Now both players will face the so-called a match for parsley, which in practice is for nothing. From the purple division, the aforementioned Qinwen Zheng, who defeated Paolini 6-1, 6-1 on Wednesday afternoon, will advance from second place. Thus, we already know the full set of tennis players from this division who will play in semi-finals.
It can be assumed that Aryna Sabalenka is slowly thinking about the final match. It is possible that at this stage she will face Iga Świątek, the second-ranked player and last year's WTA winner Finlas. After winning against Barbora Krejcikova and losing to Coco Gauff, the Pole will face the last match in the group. Her rival will be Jessica Pegula, who has two defeats. The meeting with our tennis player will take place on Thursday.
Here is the purple WTA Finals group before the Sabalenka – Rybakina match
- Aryna Sabalenka 2 points, balance 4:0
- Qinwen Zheng 2 points, balance 4:3
- Jasmine Paolini 1 point, balance 2:4
- Elena Rybakina 0 points, balance 1:4