Swiatek out of WTA finals after Sabalenka defeat

World number one Iga Swiatek is out of the season-ending WTA Finals in Texas after a shock three-set semi-final defeat by Aryna Sabalenka. Belarusian seventh seed Sabalenka won 6-2 2-6 6-1 and will face France’s Caroline Garcia in the final yesterday. Poland’s Swiatek had not dropped a set throughout the Finals but was undone by […]

World number one Iga Swiatek is out of the season-ending WTA Finals in Texas after a shock three-set semi-final defeat by Aryna Sabalenka.

Belarusian seventh seed Sabalenka won 6-2 2-6 6-1 and will face France’s Caroline Garcia in the final yesterday.

Poland’s Swiatek had not dropped a set throughout the Finals but was undone by her opponent’s powerful forehand.

Victory marked Sabalenka’s first win in five meetings with Swiatek this season.

She is only the third female player to beat the first, second and third seeds at a tournament since 2000 after her wins over Swiatek, Ons Jabeur and Jessica Pegula.