Aryna Sabalenka outplayed world number one Iga Swiatek to reach her first Cincinnati Open final.
Sabalenka, who is expected to rise to No. 2 in the rankings after the tournament, used a ferocious, aggressive approach to claim her fourth victory over Swiatek in 12 meetings and her first this season.
Sabalenka broke Swiatek's serve a total of five times to win 6-3, 6-3, but missed nine match points and threatened to let her opponent get back into the match before finally converting her tenth.
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Leading 5-1 in the second set, Sabalenka opened up a 0-40 lead on Swiatek's serve and earned three match points, then four more in an epic game that went to deuce six times.
Sabalenka missed two more match points and was broken serving for the match and suddenly Svajtek was threatening a stunning comeback, but with yet another chance on the Pole's serve in the following game Sabalenka finally finished the match off.
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“It was definitely a tough moment in the match,” Sabalenka told Sky Sports. “I kept telling myself I was going to fight until the last point because she's ranked No. 1 in the world.”
“I just told myself to stay aggressive, keep pushing her and hopefully get this win.
The Belarusian plays in her ninth WTA 1000 final on Monday, seeking her fifth title. She will face either sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula of the United States or Paula Badosa of Spain, who will play for the other final spot on Sunday night.
What will be broadcast on Sky Sports Tennis?
You can watch live on Sky Sports as top tennis stars compete throughout the hard court season in the run up to the US Open, the final Grand Slam of 2024.
Cincinnati Open (ATP 1000) – until August 19Cincinnati Open (WTA 1000) – until August 19Winston-Salem Open (ATP 250) – August 18-24Tennis in the Land, Cleveland (WTA 250) – August 18-24Abierto GNP Seguros, Monterrey (WTA 500) – August 19-24US Open (ATP/WTA) – August 26-September 8
Watch the WTA and ATP Tours on Sky Sports Tennis throughout 2024. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. There's no contract and you can cancel anytime.
