Press releases

4 Nov 2023

Sabalenka advances to Cancun semis

An archive photo

MINSK, 4 November (BelTA) – Belarus’ world number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the semifinal of the GNP Seguros WTA Finals with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 win against world number 4 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, BelTA has learned.

The Sabalenka-Rybakina match in the Bacalar Group began on 2 November but was haulted due to bad weather in the second set with Sabalenka leading 6-2, 3-5. The two resumed the match the next day and the Belarusian lost the second set but secured win in the third.

Aryna Sabalenka defeated world number 9 Maria Sakkari of Greece, 6-0, 6-1 in the opener and then lost to world number 5 Jessica Pegula of the United States, 4-6, 3-6. Jessica Pegula won all three matches and topped the group.

In the Chetumal Group Poland’s world number 2 Iga Swiatek also won three meetings and will face Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinal. The second semifinal will feature Jessica Pegula and world number 3 Coco Gauff of the United States.

The final is scheduled for 5 November. This year, total prize money for singles and doubles will be $9 million.

The WTA Finals have been held since 1971. Last season the winner was France’s Caroline Garcia who beat Aryna Sabalenka in the final.