ARYNA Sabalenka defeated world number one Iga Swiatek for the first time this season to advance to the Cincinnati Open final on Sunday (18/8).
The two players have previously met twice in 2024, in the finals of the Madrid Open and the Italian Open. Both matches were won by Swiatek.
On Sunday (18/8), after failing to convert nine match points, Sabalenka, who will become the world number two on Monday (19/8), finally secured victory over Swiatek 6-3 and 6-3.
The match at the Cincinnati Open was also the first time Sabalenka had beaten Swiatek in straight sets.
“I feel like I finally broke through a big wall,” said Sabalenka, who advanced to her first Cincinnati Open final.
“I’m very happy. After a tough fight against Iga, I’m very happy to win,” he continued.
In the final, Sabalenka will face the winner between American tennis player Jessica Pegula and Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa. (bbc/Z-1)
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