Aryna Sabalenka stunned world number one Iga Swiatek 6-2 2-6 6-1 on Sunday to set up a&nbsp;WTA&nbsp;Finals championship showdown with Caroline Garcia after the Frenchwoman cruised past Maria Sakkari in Fort Worth, Texas. Swiatek had not dropped a set at the season-ending tournament but was subdued by the powerful forehand of the Belarusian, who sealed the massive upset with one of her 12 aces before pumping her fist in triumph.

"The only thing I had in my mind was just make her work. And that's it," Sabalenka said. "It's only because of that I was able to show unbelievable tennis tonight and get this win." After trading breaks early in the first set, Sabalenka, who lost to the Pole in the U.S. Open semi-finals in September, easily converted a couple of chances as Swiatek stumbled with a series of uncharacteristic mistakes.

Swiatek returned with a new resolve in the second set, sweeping the first four games with the momentum seemingly on her side. But world number seven Sabalenka dug in her heels in the third set, dropping only two of her first-serve points without facing a break point to claim her third career win over a number one opponent.

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"I just said that I have to stay aggressive and I have to stay in the moment, that's it," she said. The win set up a rematch with a red-hot Garcia, who beat her en route to winning the Cincinnati title. The Frenchwoman eased past Sakkari 6-3 6-2 to reach her first&nbsp;WTA&nbsp;Finals championship match, sending down 19 winners and six aces to close out the tie in 75 minutes.

Garcia had needed three sets to beat Sakkari in Cincinnati three months ago but had a much smoother time of it on Sunday, breaking the Greek to love late in the first set before carrying the first four games of the second. "My game style today, she didn’t like it," Garcia said. A clumsy double-fault handed Sakkari a sorely needed breakpoint chance in the sixth game but Garcia snuffed out the chance with an ace and maintained the momentum. Garcia thrust her hands into the air as Sakkari whacked the ball into the net on the second match point, bouncing around the court in celebration having reached the biggest final of her career. The&nbsp;WTA&nbsp;Finals championship match is set for Monday.

Aryna Sabalenka stunned world number one Iga Swiatek 6-2 2-6 6-1 on Sunday to set up a WTA Finals championship showdown with Caroline Garcia after the Frenchwoman cruised past Maria Sakkari in Fort Worth, Texas.

Aryna Sabalenka stunned world number one Iga Swiatek 6-2 2-6 6-1 on Sunday to set up a WTA Finals championship showdown with Caroline Garcia after the Frenchwoman cruised past Maria Sakkari in Fort Worth, Texas. Swiatek had not dropped a set at the season-ending tournament but was subdued by the powerful forehand of the Belarusian, who sealed the massive upset with one of her 12 aces before pumping her fist in triumph. "The only thing I had in my mind was just make her work. And that's it," Sabalenka said. "It's only because of that I was able to show unbelievable tennis tonight and get this win." After trading breaks early in the first set, Sabalenka, who lost to the Pole in the U.S. Open semi-finals in September, easily converted a couple of chances as Swiatek stumbled with a series of uncharacteristic mistakes. Swiatek returned with a new resolve in the second set, sweeping the first four games with the momentum seemingly on her side. But world number seven Sabalenka dug in her heels in the third set, dropping only two of her first-serve points without facing a break point to claim her third career win over a number one opponent. ALSO READ | Denmark’s Holger Rune stuns Novak Djokovic to clinch Paris Masters "I just said that I have to stay aggressive and I have to stay in the moment, that's it," she said. The win set up a rematch with a red-hot Garcia, who beat her en route to winning the Cincinnati title. The Frenchwoman eased past Sakkari 6-3 6-2 to reach her first WTA Finals championship match, sending down 19 winners and six aces to close out the tie in 75 minutes. Garcia had needed three sets to beat Sakkari in Cincinnati three months ago but had a much smoother time of it on Sunday, breaking the Greek to love late in the first set before carrying the first four games of the second. "My game style today, she didn’t like it," Garcia said. A clumsy double-fault handed Sakkari a sorely needed breakpoint chance in the sixth game but Garcia snuffed out the chance with an ace and maintained the momentum. Garcia thrust her hands into the air as Sakkari whacked the ball into the net on the second match point, bouncing around the court in celebration having reached the biggest final of her career. The WTA Finals championship match is set for Monday.

Aryna Sabalenka goes past world no. 1 Iga Swiatek, sets up WTA Finals showdown with Caroline Garcia

Iga&nbsp;Swiatek&nbsp;reached her third Grand Slam semi-final of 2022 on Wednesday and first at the US Open with an error-strewn triumph over Jessica Pegula, the last remaining American woman in the tournament.

French Open champion&nbsp;Swiatek&nbsp;claimed a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) win, her third against Pegula this year. In Thursday's semi-final, the 21-year-old Pole will face Aryna Sabalenka who she has also got the better of on three occasions this season. World number six Sabalenka made the last-four for a second successive year with a 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) victory over former finalist Karolina Pliskova.

"That will be a very tough match. There will be some fast serves and heavy hitting, just like tonight," said&nbsp;Swiatek&nbsp;who beat Sabalenka in Doha, Stuttgart and Rome. The Pole went onto win the titles at those events, three of her six trophies collected in 2022. On Wednesday, she came through a mistake-plagued quarter-final which featured 13 breaks of serve and a combined 61 unforced errors. "It means a lot to be in the semi-finals for the first time," said&nbsp;Swiatek.

Swiatek&nbsp;overcame giving up the first break of the match in the fifth game to reel off 16 of the next 18 points to claim the opening set in 38 minutes. The pair exchanged three service breaks apiece in the first eight games in an untidy second set. It was the French Open champion who carved out the seventh break on a net cord to give herself the opportunity to serve for the match.

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<h2>- 'Low expectations' -</h2>

Eighth-ranked Pegula roused herself to stay alive before a double fault on break point in the 11th game handed&nbsp;Swiatek&nbsp;a second opportunity to seal a spot in the semi-finals. The top seed failed again as Pegula grabbed the 10th break to send the set into a tiebreak which the Pole dominated.

"I am very happy as I have worked very hard but have kept my expectations low," said the top seed. Sabalenka reached the semi-finals for a second successive year, fired up by the lingering and bitter aftertaste of her Wimbledon ban.

Russian and Belarusian players, such as world number six Sabalenka, were prevented from competing at the All England Club due to the invasion of Ukraine. The ban deprived Belarus's Sabalenka of the opportunity to improve on her semi-final run in 2021. "They took away one opportunity from me, so I worked really hard for this one," said Sabalenka.

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She admitted that she made a determined effort not to watch any of this year's grass-court Grand Slam as she trained in Miami during her enforced break from the sport.

<h2>- 'Just an athlete' -</h2>

"I'm just an athlete and I have nothing to do with politics," she said. "It was a tough time, especially when I was working out in the gym and there was Wimbledon playing on the TV. "I always turned it off because I couldn't watch it." Belarusian players were banned from Wimbledon because Belarus is a close ally of Russia and has allowed Moscow to use its territory to launch attacks into Ukraine.&nbsp;

The 24-year-old world number six Sabalenka fired seven aces and a total of 30 winners past Pliskova, the 2016 runner-up in New York, without facing a break point. Sabalenka is making the most of her great escape in the second round in New York when she saved two match points against Kaia Kanepi having been a set and 1-5 down.

On Wednesday, she raced through the first set in just 28 minutes on the back of three service breaks. The 30-year-old Pliskova managed just a single winner in the opener while serving up five double faults.

Czech world number 22 Pliskova saved two break points in the eighth game of the second set but was unable to halt Sabalenka's powerful drive to the last four. "When she's playing the way she is, there are not many rallies where you can get in that better feeling. She was serving amazing," admitted Pliskova.

Iga Swiatek reached her third Grand Slam semi-final of 2022 on Wednesday and first at the US Open with an error-strewn triumph over Jessica Pegula, the last remaining American woman in the tournament.

Iga Swiatek reached her third Grand Slam semi-final of 2022 on Wednesday and first at the US Open with an error-strewn triumph over Jessica Pegula, the last remaining American woman in the tournament. French Open champion Swiatek claimed a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) win, her third against Pegula this year. In Thursday's semi-final, the 21-year-old Pole will face Aryna Sabalenka who she has also got the better of on three occasions this season. World number six Sabalenka made the last-four for a second successive year with a 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) victory over former finalist Karolina Pliskova. "That will be a very tough match. There will be some fast serves and heavy hitting, just like tonight," said Swiatek who beat Sabalenka in Doha, Stuttgart and Rome. The Pole went onto win the titles at those events, three of her six trophies collected in 2022. On Wednesday, she came through a mistake-plagued quarter-final which featured 13 breaks of serve and a combined 61 unforced errors. "It means a lot to be in the semi-finals for the first time," said Swiatek. Swiatek overcame giving up the first break of the match in the fifth game to reel off 16 of the next 18 points to claim the opening set in 38 minutes. The pair exchanged three service breaks apiece in the first eight games in an untidy second set. It was the French Open champion who carved out the seventh break on a net cord to give herself the opportunity to serve for the match. ALSO READ | Nick Kyrgios handed shock upset by Karen Khachanov at the cusp of US Open semi-finals - 'Low expectations' - Eighth-ranked Pegula roused herself to stay alive before a double fault on break point in the 11th game handed Swiatek a second opportunity to seal a spot in the semi-finals. The top seed failed again as Pegula grabbed the 10th break to send the set into a tiebreak which the Pole dominated. "I am very happy as I have worked very hard but have kept my expectations low," said the top seed. Sabalenka reached the semi-finals for a second successive year, fired up by the lingering and bitter aftertaste of her Wimbledon ban. Russian and Belarusian players, such as world number six Sabalenka, were prevented from competing at the All England Club due to the invasion of Ukraine. The ban deprived Belarus's Sabalenka of the opportunity to improve on her semi-final run in 2021. "They took away one opportunity from me, so I worked really hard for this one," said Sabalenka. ALSO READ | Casper Ruud hopes to lay claim to US Open title as he vies for mantle of World No. 1 She admitted that she made a determined effort not to watch any of this year's grass-court Grand Slam as she trained in Miami during her enforced break from the sport. - 'Just an athlete' - "I'm just an athlete and I have nothing to do with politics," she said. "It was a tough time, especially when I was working out in the gym and there was Wimbledon playing on the TV. "I always turned it off because I couldn't watch it." Belarusian players were banned from Wimbledon because Belarus is a close ally of Russia and has allowed Moscow to use its territory to launch attacks into Ukraine. The 24-year-old world number six Sabalenka fired seven aces and a total of 30 winners past Pliskova, the 2016 runner-up in New York, without facing a break point. Sabalenka is making the most of her great escape in the second round in New York when she saved two match points against Kaia Kanepi having been a set and 1-5 down. On Wednesday, she raced through the first set in just 28 minutes on the back of three service breaks. The 30-year-old Pliskova managed just a single winner in the opener while serving up five double faults. Czech world number 22 Pliskova saved two break points in the eighth game of the second set but was unable to halt Sabalenka's powerful drive to the last four. "When she's playing the way she is, there are not many rallies where you can get in that better feeling. She was serving amazing," admitted Pliskova.

No. 1 ranked Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka reach US Open semi-finals

World No. 7 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus relied on her strong return of serve to overcome the challenge of China`s Zhang Shuai 6-4, 7-6(1) and make her maiden hard-court semifinal in nearly a year at the Western &amp; Southern Open here.

The strong Belarusian beat Zhang for the fourth time in five meetings, including a second time this year, in 1 hour, 49 minutes.

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All five matches between the two have been decided in straight sets, and to do so this time, Sabalenka needed to fight back from several deficits. She won the first set from a break down at 4-3, and was also a break down four times in the second set.

This is the 24-year-old Sabalenka`s first hard-court semifinal since last year`s US Open, and her second last-four in Cincinnati having first reached the stage in 2018.

"It was a tough match and she played unbelievable tennis," Sabalenka was quoted as saying by wtatennis.com following the win. "I`m super happy that, even if my serve didn`t work well in the second set, I was able to stay focused in return games. I did everything I could to stay focused in return games."

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Sabalenka will look to secure a place in the third final of the season, after finishing second best to Iga Swiatek at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart and to Veronika Kudermetova at the Libema Open on grass. To reach the final, she`ll have to beat either No.7 seed Jessica Pegula or Caroline Garcia.

World No. 7 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus relied on her strong return of serve to overcome the challenge of China`s Zhang Shuai 6-4, 7-6(1) and make her maiden hard-court semifinal in nearly a year at the Western & Southern Open here.

World No. 7 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus relied on her strong return of serve to overcome the challenge of China`s Zhang Shuai 6-4, 7-6(1) and make her maiden hard-court semifinal in nearly a year at the Western & Southern Open here. The strong Belarusian beat Zhang for the fourth time in five meetings, including a second time this year, in 1 hour, 49 minutes. ALSO READ: World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev outclasses Denis Shapovalov to enter the quarter finals of Cincinnati Masters All five matches between the two have been decided in straight sets, and to do so this time, Sabalenka needed to fight back from several deficits. She won the first set from a break down at 4-3, and was also a break down four times in the second set. This is the 24-year-old Sabalenka`s first hard-court semifinal since last year`s US Open, and her second last-four in Cincinnati having first reached the stage in 2018. "It was a tough match and she played unbelievable tennis," Sabalenka was quoted as saying by wtatennis.com following the win. "I`m super happy that, even if my serve didn`t work well in the second set, I was able to stay focused in return games. I did everything I could to stay focused in return games." ALSO READ: 'Looking forward to it' - Emma Raducanu determined to defend her US Open title Sabalenka will look to secure a place in the third final of the season, after finishing second best to Iga Swiatek at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart and to Veronika Kudermetova at the Libema Open on grass. To reach the final, she`ll have to beat either No.7 seed Jessica Pegula or Caroline Garcia.

Aryna Sabalenka outplays Zhang Shuai to make her way into semi-finals at Cincinnati Open

Unstoppable World No.1 Iga Swiatek pulled up her 30th consecutive win at the French Open on Thursday as she defeated Alison Riske of America in the second round. The World No.1 Polish completely dominated Riske by 6-0, 6-2 in a two sets victory to reach the third round.Swiatek, the 2020 champion, is on the best streak since Serena Williams`s 34-match winning run in 2013. It took 61 minutes for Swiatek to end Riske`s run in the tournament.

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In the third round, Swiatek will face Danka Kovinic who upset Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-3, 7-5 in the second round. Later, No.7 seed Aryna Sabalenka put on a stunning show as she registered a 6-1, 6-3 win over American Madison Brengle. It only took 62-minute for the No.7 seed to fend off the American challenge as she dominated her opponent in both sets.

Unstoppable World No.1 Iga Swiatek pulled up her 30th consecutive win at the French Open on Thursday as she defeated Alison Riske of America in the second round.

Unstoppable World No.1 Iga Swiatek pulled up her 30th consecutive win at the French Open on Thursday as she defeated Alison Riske of America in the second round. The World No.1 Polish completely dominated Riske by 6-0, 6-2 in a two sets victory to reach the third round.Swiatek, the 2020 champion, is on the best streak since Serena Williams`s 34-match winning run in 2013. It took 61 minutes for Swiatek to end Riske`s run in the tournament. ALSO READ | French Open: Spaniard Rafael Nadal stays on course for possible face-off with Novak Djokovic in quarters In the third round, Swiatek will face Danka Kovinic who upset Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-3, 7-5 in the second round. Later, No.7 seed Aryna Sabalenka put on a stunning show as she registered a 6-1, 6-3 win over American Madison Brengle. It only took 62-minute for the No.7 seed to fend off the American challenge as she dominated her opponent in both sets.

French Open: Unstoppable world No. 1 Iga Swiatek enters R3; Aryna Sabalenka defeats Madison Brengle

World number two Aryna Sabalenka said she got vaccinated against COVID-19 after having to miss last month`s Indian Wells tournament because she contracted the novel coronavirus. 
 
The Belarusian, speaking on the eve of the season-ending WTA Finals in Guadalajara, Mexico, had previously expressed concern about the vaccines, saying she was worried about how quickly they had been produced and which one might be the best for her. 
 
"I think I`m clear right now because in Miami I did the vaccine, Johnson &amp; Johnson," the 23-year-old told reporters on Tuesday. "Hopefully, I`m safe because I don`t want to stay in quarantine any more. It`s not a lot of fun." 
 
Sabalenka said she could not move for four days after testing positive last month. "I stayed in the room for 10 days. I was doing some workout there, but it wasn`t enough," she said. "I didn`t have taste, I didn`t have smell. Wasn`t really an amazing time." 
 
Sabalenka is the top seed at the WTA Finals after world number one Ash Barty decided not to travel to Mexico. She will face Spain`s Paula Badosa in her first match on Thursday. 
 
The WTA Finals, contested by the world`s top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, was relocated to Mexico from Shenzhen due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in China.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka said she got vaccinated against COVID-19 after having to miss last month`s Indian Wells tournament because she contracted the novel coronavirus.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka said she got vaccinated against COVID-19 after having to miss last month`s Indian Wells tournament because she contracted the novel coronavirus. The Belarusian, speaking on the eve of the season-ending WTA Finals in Guadalajara, Mexico, had previously expressed concern about the vaccines, saying she was worried about how quickly they had been produced and which one might be the best for her. "I think I`m clear right now because in Miami I did the vaccine, Johnson & Johnson," the 23-year-old told reporters on Tuesday. "Hopefully, I`m safe because I don`t want to stay in quarantine any more. It`s not a lot of fun." Sabalenka said she could not move for four days after testing positive last month. "I stayed in the room for 10 days. I was doing some workout there, but it wasn`t enough," she said. "I didn`t have taste, I didn`t have smell. Wasn`t really an amazing time." Sabalenka is the top seed at the WTA Finals after world number one Ash Barty decided not to travel to Mexico. She will face Spain`s Paula Badosa in her first match on Thursday. The WTA Finals, contested by the world`s top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, was relocated to Mexico from Shenzhen due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in China.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka says she got vaccinated after contracting COVID-19

World number two Aryna Sabalenka will not play at the Indian Wells tournament after testing positive for COVID-19, the 23-year-old said.

Sabalenka, who lost to Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in the U.S. Open semifinal last month, was the top seed in the women's draw at the Indian Wells after world number one Ash Barty pulled out&nbsp;from the WTA 1000 event near Los Angeles.

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"Unfortunately I've tested positive at Indian Wells and won't be able to compete," Belarusian Sabalenka wrote on her Instagram story on Saturday.

"I've started my isolation and I'll be staying here until I'm cleared by the doctors and health officials. So far I'm looking ok but really sad to not be able to play this year."

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Sabalenka's absence is another blow to the Oct. 4-17 event, with men's world number one Novak Djokovic, 2018 champion Naomi Osaka and 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams also not competing.

Sabalenka has already qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals, contested by the world`s top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, which will be held next month in Guadalajara, Mexico.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka will not play at the Indian Wells tournament after testing positive for COVID-19, the 23-year-old said. Sabalenka, who lost to Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in the U.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka will not play at the Indian Wells tournament after testing positive for COVID-19, the 23-year-old said. Sabalenka, who lost to Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in the U.S. Open semifinal last month, was the top seed in the women's draw at the Indian Wells after world number one Ash Barty pulled out from the WTA 1000 event near Los Angeles. Also read: Was boxing in Rio Olympics 2016 rigged? Independent probe reveals shocking details of 'bout manipulation' "Unfortunately I've tested positive at Indian Wells and won't be able to compete," Belarusian Sabalenka wrote on her Instagram story on Saturday. "I've started my isolation and I'll be staying here until I'm cleared by the doctors and health officials. So far I'm looking ok but really sad to not be able to play this year." Also read: Beijing Olympics rules out overseas fans over virus threat Sabalenka's absence is another blow to the Oct. 4-17 event, with men's world number one Novak Djokovic, 2018 champion Naomi Osaka and 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams also not competing. Sabalenka has already qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals, contested by the world`s top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, which will be held next month in Guadalajara, Mexico.

World no. 2 Aryna Sabalenka tests positive for COVID-19, ruled out of Indian Wells

Aryna Sabalenka's disappointment at losing the San Jose WTA final over the weekend may be offset to a small extent by her rise to number nine in the latest rankings released by the WTA on Monday.

The 21-year-old Belarusian, who was playing in her first final since winning the Shenzhen Open in China in January, was beaten in straight sets by China's Zheng Saisai.

But the points she collected from reaching the final means she moves ahead of Serena Williams who drops to 10.&nbsp;

Zheng was the week's biggest mover, climbing 17 places to 38.

Roland Garros winner Ashleigh Barty is still number one ahead of Naomi Osaka as the players head to Montreal where a lot of points are at stake.

WTA rankings as of August 5

1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 6,605 pts

2. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 6,228

3. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 6,055

4. Simona Halep (ROU) 5,933

5. Kiki Bertens (NED) 5,130

6. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4,785

7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,737

8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 3,773

9. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3,565 (+1)

10. Serena Williams (USA) 3,410 (-1)

11. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 3,356

12. Belinda Bencic (SUI) 2,963

13. Angelique Kerber (GER) 2,875

14. Johanna Konta (GBR) 2,745

15. Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) 2,652

16. Qiang Wang (CHN) 2,647

17. Madison Keys (USA) 2,556

18. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 2,478

19. Anett Kontaveit (EST) 2,335

20. Elise Mertens (BEL) 2,180

...

38. Zheng Saisai (CHN) 1360 (+17)

39. Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 1,335 (-1)

56. Venus Williams (USA) 986 (-6)

81. Maria Sharapova (RUS) 740 (+1)

Aryna Sabalenka's disappointment at losing the San Jose WTA final over the weekend may be offset to a small extent by her rise to number nine in the latest rankings released by the WTA on Monday.

Aryna Sabalenka's disappointment at losing the San Jose WTA final over the weekend may be offset to a small extent by her rise to number nine in the latest rankings released by the WTA on Monday. The 21-year-old Belarusian, who was playing in her first final since winning the Shenzhen Open in China in January, was beaten in straight sets by China's Zheng Saisai. But the points she collected from reaching the final means she moves ahead of Serena Williams who drops to 10. Zheng was the week's biggest mover, climbing 17 places to 38. Roland Garros winner Ashleigh Barty is still number one ahead of Naomi Osaka as the players head to Montreal where a lot of points are at stake. WTA rankings as of August 5 1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 6,605 pts 2. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 6,228 3. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 6,055 4. Simona Halep (ROU) 5,933 5. Kiki Bertens (NED) 5,130 6. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4,785 7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,737 8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 3,773 9. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3,565 (+1) 10. Serena Williams (USA) 3,410 (-1) 11. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 3,356 12. Belinda Bencic (SUI) 2,963 13. Angelique Kerber (GER) 2,875 14. Johanna Konta (GBR) 2,745 15. Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) 2,652 16. Qiang Wang (CHN) 2,647 17. Madison Keys (USA) 2,556 18. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 2,478 19. Anett Kontaveit (EST) 2,335 20. Elise Mertens (BEL) 2,180 ... 38. Zheng Saisai (CHN) 1360 (+17) 39. Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 1,335 (-1) 56. Venus Williams (USA) 986 (-6) 81. Maria Sharapova (RUS) 740 (+1)

Aryna Sabalenka moves up to ninth in WTA rankings

A dominant Aryna Sabalenka thrashed Anett Kontaveit 6-3, 6-3 to win the Wuhan Open title in China on Saturday.

The Belarusian was in commanding form as she cruised to the second WTA title of her career, facing little trouble from Estonia's Kontaveit who had also turned in impressive performances to reach the final.

The 20th-ranked Sabalenka had often been unplayable this week in Wuhan with her mix of aggression and clever placement, and left Kontaveit flat-footed several times as she raced to take the first set.

Kontaveit, ranked 27th, tried to fight back in the second set, matching Sabalenka game for game until 3-3 when her resistance was broken and the Belarusian took three games on the trot to win the title.

The Minsk-born Sabalenka, who grabbed her first WTA title earlier this year at the Connecticut Open, is projected to climb to a career-best 16th with her victory at the Wuhan Open, a Premier 5 tournament that awards 900 ranking points.

Earlier, Elise Mertens of Belgium and Demi Schuurs of the Netherlands beat Czech pair Andrea Hlavackova and Barbora Strycova 6-3, 6-3 to take the doubles title.

A dominant Aryna Sabalenka thrashed Anett Kontaveit 6-3, 6-3 to win the Wuhan Open title in China on Saturday. The Belarusian was in commanding form as she cruised to the second WTA title of her career, facing little trouble from Estonia's Kontaveit who had also turned in impressive performances to reach the final.

A dominant Aryna Sabalenka thrashed Anett Kontaveit 6-3, 6-3 to win the Wuhan Open title in China on Saturday. The Belarusian was in commanding form as she cruised to the second WTA title of her career, facing little trouble from Estonia's Kontaveit who had also turned in impressive performances to reach the final. The 20th-ranked Sabalenka had often been unplayable this week in Wuhan with her mix of aggression and clever placement, and left Kontaveit flat-footed several times as she raced to take the first set. Kontaveit, ranked 27th, tried to fight back in the second set, matching Sabalenka game for game until 3-3 when her resistance was broken and the Belarusian took three games on the trot to win the title. The Minsk-born Sabalenka, who grabbed her first WTA title earlier this year at the Connecticut Open, is projected to climb to a career-best 16th with her victory at the Wuhan Open, a Premier 5 tournament that awards 900 ranking points. Earlier, Elise Mertens of Belgium and Demi Schuurs of the Netherlands beat Czech pair Andrea Hlavackova and Barbora Strycova 6-3, 6-3 to take the doubles title.

Wuhan Open: Aryna Sabalenka crushes Kontaveit to clinch title

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was made to fight by the 102nd-ranked teenager Aryna Sabalenka at the Tianjin Open on Sunday before winning her first title since her 15-month doping ban.

The former world number one, who returned to action in April, came from behind in both sets and needed four championship points in the tie-breaker before beating the 19-year-old 7-5, 7-6 (10/8).

Sharapova clasped her hands to her chest in delight as she absorbed the feeling of winning her 36th tour title and first in more than two years since the 2015 Italian Open.

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Sharapova, 30, was contesting the seventh tournament of what has been an injury-plagued and controversial comeback since testing positive for the banned substance meldonium in early 2016.

She exchanged 11 breaks of serve with the Belarusian, who has yet to win a WTA trophy, before finally clinching it in the tie-breaker when the teenager put a forehand return long.

In a tight final of high-decibel shrieking, Sabalenka was broken in the opening game but any expectations that she would roll over quickly dissolved when she won four games in a row to go 4-1 up.

Sharapova&#39;s coach Sven Groeneveld urged her to use the body serve, and momentum immediately shifted as she held the next game and then edged a nine-minute game seven to wrestle it back on serve.

Sabalenka angrily slammed her racquet down as she double-faulted to be broken for a third time and with Sharapova serving at 6-5, the Belarusian overcooked a forehand to hand over the set.

The second set followed a similar pattern and Sabalenka was 5-1 up before Sharapova reeled her in, breaking three times -- and saving a set point along the way -- before serving for the match at 6-5.

But a double fault from the Russian took it to a closely contested tie-break, where Sharapova held championship points four times before finally sealing it after two hours and five minutes.

Sharapova, whose ranking has dropped to 86, has been playing on wildcards this season. Her return has proved divisive, with some rivals insisting she shouldn&#39;t be back on tour at all.

She now heads to next week&#39;s Kremlin Cup in Moscow for the first time since 2007, after also being given a wildcard to play in what is her home tournament.

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was made to fight at the Tianjin Open by the 102nd-ranked Belarusian teenager Aryna Sabalenka

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was made to fight by the 102nd-ranked teenager Aryna Sabalenka at the Tianjin Open on Sunday before winning her first title since her 15-month doping ban. The former world number one, who returned to action in April, came from behind in both sets and needed four championship points in the tie-breaker before beating the 19-year-old 7-5, 7-6 (10/8). Sharapova clasped her hands to her chest in delight as she absorbed the feeling of winning her 36th tour title and first in more than two years since the 2015 Italian Open. Sharapova clasped her hands to her chest in delight as she absorbed the feeling of winning her 36th tour title and first in more than two years since the 2015 Italian Open × Sharapova, 30, was contesting the seventh tournament of what has been an injury-plagued and controversial comeback since testing positive for the banned substance meldonium in early 2016. She exchanged 11 breaks of serve with the Belarusian, who has yet to win a WTA trophy, before finally clinching it in the tie-breaker when the teenager put a forehand return long. In a tight final of high-decibel shrieking, Sabalenka was broken in the opening game but any expectations that she would roll over quickly dissolved when she won four games in a row to go 4-1 up. Sharapova's coach Sven Groeneveld urged her to use the body serve, and momentum immediately shifted as she held the next game and then edged a nine-minute game seven to wrestle it back on serve. Sabalenka angrily slammed her racquet down as she double-faulted to be broken for a third time and with Sharapova serving at 6-5, the Belarusian overcooked a forehand to hand over the set. The second set followed a similar pattern and Sabalenka was 5-1 up before Sharapova reeled her in, breaking three times -- and saving a set point along the way -- before serving for the match at 6-5. But a double fault from the Russian took it to a closely contested tie-break, where Sharapova held championship points four times before finally sealing it after two hours and five minutes. Sharapova, whose ranking has dropped to 86, has been playing on wildcards this season. Her return has proved divisive, with some rivals insisting she shouldn't be back on tour at all. She now heads to next week's Kremlin Cup in Moscow for the first time since 2007, after also being given a wildcard to play in what is her home tournament.

Sharapova wins first title since return from doping ban, has to fight for it

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