World number one Aryna Sabalenka beats Elena Rybakina to reach semi-finals

World number one Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the last four of the season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, by defeating Elena Rybakina.

When play was suspended at 23:40 local time on Thursday due to stormy weather, Sabalenka led 6-2 3-5 against Rybakina.

After play resumed, Rybakina quickly leveled the tie, but Sabalenka ultimately won the match with a 6-2 3-6 6-3 victory.

Talking to Tennis Channel, Sabalenka said, “I didn’t really think a lot about this match. I was just like, whatever. I’m going to go out there and do everything I can and if I win, I win and if I lose, I go home on vacation. I was just trying to play as good as I can.”

The Belarusian, who is set to retain her world number one ranking if she reaches the final, joins American group winner Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals.

Rybakina and eighth-seeded Greek Maria Sakkari are eliminated from the group stage.

All four players in the other group are still in contention for the semi-finals.

US Open champion Coco Gauff will face Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova, while world number two Iga Swiatek – this year’s French Open champion – will compete against Ons Jabeur later on Friday.