Aryna Sabalenka is one win away from defending her Wuhan title after powering past Ash Barty 7-5 6-4 in the semi-finals.
The Belarusian converted three of four break point opportunities to power past the world number one in straight sets to book her place in the Wuhan final.
Although it has been a rough season for Sabalenka, a doubles grand slam seems to have given her a push in the right direction in terms of her singles form.
After the win Sabalenka admitted that this year feels even better than last year when she reached the final, “Of course, I’m happy to be in the final. It was really tough match. I can’t say that we both play on a great level,” Sabalenka said after the match.
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“I just happy that I could find the way how to win this match, but it was really tough. I think it means a lot for me. It feels even better than last year.
“Last year was the first time Premier final, Premier title. This year, it was really tough season for me. To get back on that level, it feels much more enjoyable.”
Even though Barty frustrated the defending champion in many aspects, the defending champion always had an answer to the Australian’s variety.
Power is what Sabalenka is known for but she was most pleased with her variety, “I was going for shots. I was trying to play with the discipline. It wasn’t like a great level, that game for me. But somehow, doesn’t matter how, I was trying to go there to put the balls in. I’m happy that I could handle this pressure from her,” Sabalenka told wtatennis.com.
Next for Sabalenka will be Alison Riske, who is into her first Premier Five level final after a 7-5 7-5 victory over Petra Kvitová.
The American’s stunning victory sealed her fourth top 10 win in 2019 with wins over Kiki Bertens and Ashleigh Barty among those top 10 wins.
After an amazing grass court swing, which included reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, Riske has now transformed her aggressive game to the hard courts where she will hope to win the biggest title of her career tomorrow.
