Poland’s Iga Swiatek delivered a spectacular performance by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-2 in the semi-final of the season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun on Sunday. Her victory has brought the world number one ranking tantalizingly within reach, setting up a thrilling final showdown with American Jessica Pegula.
In an eagerly anticipated match that was temporarily halted due to inclement weather on Saturday, Swiatek returned on Sunday with unwavering determination. She swiftly seized the momentum, breaking Sabalenka’s serve in the fourth game of the first set. Sabalenka, who holds the current number one ranking, struggled to mount a comeback and made several uncharacteristic forehand errors, undermining her efforts.
The match ended with Swiatek’s calm and collected play as she converted a break point with a powerful overhead smash in the seventh game of the second set. Her victory was met with exuberant cheers from the crowd.
This win continues Swiatek’s impressive hot streak, following her victory in the China Open last month. The 22-year-old Polish sensation now has a shot at finishing the year at the top of the rankings if she can clinch the WTA Finals title.
In the final, Swiatek will face a formidable opponent in the in-form Jessica Pegula, who secured her place by defeating US Open champion Coco Gauff with a convincing score of 6-2, 6-1 in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Swiatek acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead, saying, “Jessie (Pegula) is a great player, and she fully deserves to be in the final of any tournament. I know it’s not going to be easy. There’s a lot to think about. I’m just going to focus on myself tomorrow. She’s really solid and can handle everything mentally. I’ll try to do my best and give 100%. That’s all I can do.”
Notably, neither Swiatek nor Pegula has dropped a set in the WTA Finals in Cancun. Pegula had previously defeated Swiatek in their last meeting during the Montreal semi-final. The highly anticipated final promises an exciting clash between two talented and determined athletes.
