Sabalenka rozcieńcza konsystencję Świątek strzałami z armaty

The Belarusian took advantage of the speed of the Cincinnati court to achieve a comfortable victory over Swiatek and reach the final.Aryna Sabalenka has made a powerful statement with one of those victories that boost confidence, especially when achieved against an intimate rival like Iga Swiatek. The Polish player had been dominating Sabalenka in recent times, but this time, she faced an impeccable version of the world number 2, who will seek the title in the final of the WTA 1000 Cincinnati 2024 after winning 6-3 6-3.

In a great rivalry, there must be ups and downs, scenarios where one player rises while the other falters, key moments to gain ground in a long-term battle. Aryna Sabalenka was aware that she entered the semifinals of the WTA 1000 Cincinnati 2024 as the favorite, benefiting greatly from the high speed of the courts in the event held in Ohio. She took full advantage, breaking down the baseline resistance of a Iga Swiatek lacking the arguments to assert her dominance.

• Sabalenka had lost the last three encounters against Swiatek, and now the head-to-head is 4-8 in favor of the Polish player

From the early stages of the match, it was evident how the demeanor with which each player approached the game suggested the likely outcome. Iga appeared noticeably uncomfortable from the baseline, feeling that her shots were not effective. The high humidity in the air and the court conditions diminished the impact of her topspin shots, making it impossible for her to take the initiative against the skillful Sabalenka who controlled the points from the start.

Errors piled up on the Polish side, while Aryna did not lose focus, understanding the importance of not giving any respite to her opponent, staying intensely focused and seeking the winning shot. The relative balance of the first set turned into complete disconnection for Iga Swiatek in the second set, but everything changed abruptly.

With a substantial lead of 5-1, the Belarusian squandered seven match points on return and two more on serve in the following game, but it was a desperate attempt that ended in frustration due to the Belarusian’s overwhelming superiority. Aryna Sabalenka closed out her victory brilliantly and looks forward to the opportunity to claim another title at the WTA 1000 Cincinnati 2024.