Elina Svitolina defeated Aryna Sabalenka over three compelling sets to reach the semi-finals of the WTA Finals in Indian Wells. The Ukrainian player secured a 6-3 3-6 6-1 victory, successfully handling Sabalenka’s powerful serve to claim the opening set.
Match Momentum Shifts
Sabalenka mounted a strong comeback to take control of the second set and level the match. However, momentum shifted once more in the deciding set. Although the opening games of the final set were tightly contested, Svitolina delivered a crucial breakthrough by taking Sabalenka’s service game to lead 3-1, subsequently pulling away to secure the set and the match.
Following the victory, Svitolina told Sky Sports, “Very happy with the performance. It was not an easy match. It was a little bit of a roller coaster.” She added, “I played well in the first set, she stepped up the game and the third I tried to put an ‘extra’ ball over the net.”
Upcoming Semi-Finals and Round-Robin Conclusions
Svitolina is set to face Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in the semi-final at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Commentating on her progression, Svitolina stated, “I knew from the start of the tournament this would be a possibility but I have no regrets or complaints. I’m in the semi-final and that’s amazing for me.”
In another match on Friday, Mirra Andreeva won 12 of the final 13 games to cruise past Diana Shnaider 6-2 6-1, wrapping up her round-robin play. Andreeva dropped a total of just 11 games while winning Group 2 with an undefeated 3-0 record, and she will face Jessica Pegula in the Saturday semi-finals.
Shnaider entered the match as the second alternate, serving as a late replacement for Karolina Muchova, who withdrew due to a gastrointestinal illness. Shnaider was making her singles debut at the WTA Finals after qualifying in doubles last year with Andreeva, her fellow compatriot. Shnaider initially led 2-0 in the first set before Andreeva took command to finish the match in 55 minutes, converting six of seven break points and winning 71 percent of her first-serve points while Shnaider committed 32 errors after spending the week practicing without knowing if she would play.
Reflecting on the encounter, Andreeva remarked, “I don’t know how much fun that was. It’s nice to share a court with your friend. It’s more nerve-wracking for me personally because I know her well.” Muchova, a Wimbledon finalist this year, had already lost her first two matches and could not advance even if she had played on Friday, marking the second withdrawal from the eight-day, $10 million tournament following top-ranked Elena Rybakina’s withdrawal prior to the tournament’s start due to a viral illness and exhaustion.
