World No.20 Aryna Sabalenka has reached her third WTA Final of the year after fighting her way past Australia’s Ashleigh Barty 7-6(2), 6-4, at the Wuhan Open.
Making her debut in the Chinese Premier event, Sabalenka’s heavy hitting eventually overwhelmed Barty, who was runner-up in Wuhan last year. The performance saw her hit 26 winners to 19 unforced errors as she fired nine aces past the 16th seed. Sabalenka also broke Barty twice in the match.
“I just tried to focus on my game. Try to focus on every point and I think this was the key.” Sabalenka commented about her performance after the match.
In what was their second meeting on the tour this season, Sabalenka initially struggled to solve the clever play produced by her opponent. The blistering shot-making from the Belarusian was tamed by Barty’s selection of slice shots along with serve and volleying throughout. Upsetting her rhythm as the Australian broke on route to a 5-3 lead. Despite the threat, the 20-year-old battled back to level at 5-5 before powering her way through the tiebreaker. Breaking Barty’s serve four times before sealing the opening set with an ace down the centre of the court.
After battling through what was a tense opener, Sabalenka continued to dictate proceedings in Wuhan. Breaking at the start of the second set to surge to a 2-0 to draw the first signs of frustration from her opponent. Who smashed her racket on the top of the net out of anger after missing a shot. Continuing to weather the storm, Sabalenka had all the answers to the questions asked of her. Saving a trio of break points on route to a game away from victory. Serving for a place in the final, the win was then sealed with the help of a Barty backhand smashing into the net.
“I don’t have any expectations on myself.” Sabalenka said about the upcoming final. “I just want to come to the court and enjoy (the match). Show my best.”
Becoming the youngest player to reach the Wuhan final at the age of 20, Sabalenka has now secured her 11th win over a top 20 player this season. Getting revenge over Barty, who she lost to at the start of the year in Australia.
Wang Retirement Sends Kontaveit through
Awaiting the rising star in the final will be Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit. Kontaveit reached her first premier final after home favourite Wang Qiang was forced to retire due to a leg injury.
The 22-year-old was leading their semi-final clash 6-2, 2-1(30-0) before Wang decided to call it quits due to her left leg. The Chinese player underwent treatment throughout the clash in hope that she would be able to complete the match, but struggled with her movement. Prior to the final game, Wang was in tears during a changeover as she was comforted by her coach. Two points later she retired from the match.
“There was a big crowd supporting her, but I was trying to focus on myself and I thought I did that really well.” Kontaveit said during her on court interview. “I’m so sorry that it has to end this way. I feel so bad for Qiang and I hope she get better.”
Kontaveit started her campaign at the tournament with a three sets win over former US Open champion Sloane Stephens. On route to Saturday’s final she also scored wins against Donna Vekic, Zhang Shuai, Katerina Siniakova and Wang.
“I’m expecting to enjoy it a lot” The world No.27 said about Saturday’s final. “This is my first final in such a big tournament. I’ve done well already (in Wuhan) and I’m excited to be in the final.”
The upcoming match will be the first tour meeting between Sabalenka and Kontaveit.
