Iga Swiatek is poised for a showdown with Jessica Pegula in the final of the WTA Finals after a commanding victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-final.
The world number two, set to clinch the year-end number one ranking if she secures the title against Pegula, overcame Sabalenka 6-3, 6-2 following a rain delay at the tournament in Cancun.
Play was briefly suspended after just three games, forcing the rescheduled encounter to the following day. However, the break did wonders for Iga Swiatek’s game, as she quickly grabbed the first break and held off a break-back attempt from Sabalenka to take a 4-1 lead.
Despite narrowly missing out on a double break, Swiatek comfortably secured the first set with two love holds. In the second set, Swiatek further upped the ante, breaking Sabalenka’s serve in the third game and maintaining relentless pressure. Winning 86% of her first-serve points, she outplayed Sabalenka and eventually served for a place in the final.
As Swiatek’s powerful serve met a tired forehand from Sabalenka on match point, she sealed her spot in the championship match with a 6-3, 6-2 victory.
With six wins from their nine top-level meetings, Swiatek avenged her loss to Sabalenka in the 2022 semi-finals, although she acknowledged that clinching the year-end number one ranking still feels like a formidable challenge.
Speaking to the media, Swiatek said, “It hasn’t been easy during the whole week, so I’m happy that today I could get even better. For sure, it was tough, even though it says 6-3, 6-2. Every point was important, and every game was tight.”
Swiatek emphasized that the upcoming final against Pegula would be the toughest, deferring any discussions about the year-end number one ranking until after the match. She plans to continue her recent successful approach in the final battle.
In her quest for a maiden WTA Finals crown, Swiatek must confront the formidable Pegula, who showcased her top form with victories over Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Maria Sakkari during the group stage. Pegula further bolstered her credentials with a convincing 6-2, 6-1 win over US Open champion Coco Gauff.
Notably, Pegula has the opportunity to become the first WTA Finals competitor to defeat all four top-ranked players in a single tournament, having already defeated Iga Swiatek in their most recent encounter during this year’s Canadian Open semi-finals.
