© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
Aryna Sabalenka claims playing directly against Iga Swiatek for the world No 1 spot is exactly the thing that she wants. On Friday, Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina to clinch a semifinal spot at the WTA Finals. After sealing a semifinal spot in Cancun, Sabalenka insisted her wish was to play Swiatek next.
After Swiatek defeated Ons Jabeur later that day, a Swiatek and Sabalenka semifinal was officially set up. When Sabalenka and Swiatek meet on Saturday, there will be more at stake than just a final spot in Cancun. If Sabalenka defeats Swiatek, she will officially clinch the Year-End No 1 award.
On the other side, Swiatek has a chance to achieve the Year-End No 1 by beating Sabalenka and then also winning the final match.
Sabalenka looking forward to battling Swiatek for the Year-End No 1
“As I said at the US Open, I didn’t want her to lose that match.
I really wanted to play against her to decide who’s the No 1 in the world. I said that and now it’s a possibility that we’re gonna play for the No 1 spot. I would love to play against Iga. That would be a really incredible match.
I hope the stadium would be full. And I hope they’re gonna keep screaming…
