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☆ Aryna Sabalenka wins at Miami Open in first match since death of her former partner
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-23 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Aryna Sabalenka defeated Paula Badosa in the second round at the Miami Open on Friday, playing just days after the death of her ex-partner, former professional ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov. “Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka said in a statement on Wednesday. Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka embraced at the net afterwards. Robert Prange/Getty Images“No, I wasn’t surprised at all (by Sabalenka’s play)”, Badosa told reporters after losing to Sabalenka. “She’s a very, very strong woman, strong personality, you can see it on the court.

Persons: Aryna Sabalenka, Paula Badosa, Konstantin Koltsov, Spain’s Badosa, Koltsov, “, ” Sabalenka, Robert Prange, Badosa, Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Nadia Podoroska Organizations: CNN, Miami, NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, Miami - Dade Police Department, Sabalenka, Argentine, International Association for Suicide Prevention, Befrienders

☆ Konstantin Koltsov, former NHL player and partner of tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, dies aged 42
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Konstantin Koltsov, a former professional ice hockey player from Belarus and the partner of tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, has died at the age of 42, according to a statement from Russian club Salavat Yulaev. He was working as a coach for Salavat Yulaev, with whom he spent some of his playing career and won the team’s first Russian championship title in 2008. “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, passed away,” the club said in a statement on Tuesday. Konstantin Evgenievich forever written himself in the history of our club.”No cause of Koltsov’s death has been announced. Koltsov regularly traveled to tennis tournaments around the world with Sabalenka, who won her second grand slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year.

Persons: CNN — Konstantin Koltsov, Aryna Sabalenka, Koltsov, Salavat, Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, “, Konstantin Evgenievich, Sabalenka Organizations: CNN, Salavat Yulaev, NHL, Pittsburgh Penguins, Miami Locations: Belarus, Indian Wells, California

Below, we'll show you all the ways to watch the Miami Open live streams, no matter where you are. Where to watch the Miami Open in the USALike many ATP and WTP tournaments this year, the Miami Open is available to live stream on the Tennis Channel in the US. Hulu + Live TV Hulu + Live TV includes over 90 channels, along with Hulu's on-demand library and access to Disney Plus and ESPN+. Shop at HuluHow to watch the Miami Open from New ZealandFor New Zealanders, streaming the Miami Open is both free and slightly limited. How to watch the Miami Open from anywhereIf you're not currently in an area with Miami Open streaming options, then it might be time to check out a VPN (virtual private network).

Persons: we've, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Świątek, Daniil Medvedev, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, Emma Raducanu, Hulu's Organizations: Business, Miami, Indian Wells Masters, Indian, Miami Open, Tennis Channel, Sling, Hulu, ., Disney, ESPN, Disney Plus, New, TVNZ Locations: Indian Wells, USA, . Sling, New Zealand

Learn moreThe women's Australian Open final is beginning soon, and we can show you how to watch a free Sabalenka vs. Zheng live stream online anywhere in the world. How to watch free Sabalenka vs. Zheng live stream from anywhereIf you want access to the free Sabalenka vs. Zheng live stream of the Australian Open final, there's an excellent option direct from the source on the free Australian 9Now streaming service. Watch the Sabalenka vs. Zheng live stream. How to watch Sabalenka vs. Zheng in the USAESPN has the rights to live stream all of the Australian Open in the USA. How to watch Sabalenka vs. Zheng in the UKYou'll find the Australian Open live streams on Eurosport in the UK.

Persons: Zheng, We've, Iga Swiatek, Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff, Qinwen Zheng, she's, there's, It's, we've, ExpressVPN, There's Organizations: ESPN, Six Nations, Australian, USA ESPN, Hulu, Disney Plus, Eurosport, Amazon Prime Locations: Australia, Canada, Belarus, USA

Losing the U.S. Open final last September gave her the extra motivation. In the semifinals, she avenged her U.S. Open final loss to No. “For the second time, it’s just such a relief.”Only two things slowed down Sabalenka's progress Saturday to her second Grand Slam singles title. In the third game of the second set, with Zheng serving, the match was interrupted after an activist started yelling out. Then, when she was serving for the match, Sabalenka had three championship points at 40-0 but missed two with unforced forehands errors and another with Zheng's clever drop shot.

Persons: Sabalenka, Zheng Qinwen, Elena Rybakina, “, it’s, don’t, Zheng, Coco Gauff, Barbora Krejcikova, Amanda Anisimova, “ I’m, ” Sabalenka, ”, Serena Williams, Jason Stacy, Stacy, Li Na, ” Zheng Organizations: —, U.S, U.S ., Victoria Azarenka Locations: MELBOURNE, Australia, Melbourne, New York

☆ Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka defends women’s title, defeating Zheng Qinwen in dominant fashion
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-27 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her Australian Open women’s title on Saturday, dismantling China’s Zheng Qinwen 6-3 6-2 in the final in Melbourne and completing a dominant tournament in which she did not drop a single set. And she clinched her second grand slam title in similar fashion, becoming the first woman to win two consecutive Australian Open titles since her compatriot Victoria Azarenka achieved the feat more in 2012-13. China's Zheng Qinwen hits a return against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka during the women's Australian Open final. Aryna Sabalenka serves against Zheng Qinwen in the final. And by sealing victory with such a dominant display, she became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2007 to win the Australian Open final without dropping a single service game.

Persons: Aryna Sabalenka, Zheng Qinwen, Victoria Azarenka, “ It’s, “, I’m, Zheng, China's Zheng Qinwen, Lillian Suwanrumpha, Sabalenka, David Gray, Serena Williams Organizations: CNN, Belarus, Getty Locations: Melbourne, Belarusian, AFP, Zheng’s

☆ Australian Open women’s final: China’s Zheng Qinwen bidding for first grand slam title against relentless Aryna Sabalenka
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —China’s Zheng Qinwen will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of compatriot and idol Li Na, who was crowned Australian Open champion a decade ago, when she faces Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s final. Just go for it.’ That’s enough, I think,” Zheng laughed. So that can’t be more special than here in Australian Open. Beating Gauff was a significant victory for Sabalenka, who lost to the American from a set up in the US Open final at the end of 2023. “As I said before, yeah, I’m defending champion, but worst case … I’m going to lose this tournament and it’s less points to defend next year.

Persons: CNN — China’s Zheng Qinwen, Li Na, Aryna, Zheng, Dayana Yastremska, Li, ” Zheng, ”, Sabalenka, Eloisa Lopez, Lesia, Coco Gauff, Gauff Organizations: CNN, Reuters Locations: Australian, Melbourne, China, Belarusian, ”

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Veteran Indian player Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden have advanced to their second consecutive Grand Slam men's doubles final. Bopanna and Ebden, now ranked second in men's doubles, lost to Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury in the U.S. Open final last September. Tournament officials said Thursday that Ebden and Bopanna, at combined ages of 79 years, will become the oldest No. In the first women's doubles semifinal, Hsieh Su-wei of Taiwan and Elise Mertens of Belgium, the No. The other women's doubles semifinal will be played Friday ahead of Sunday's final.

Persons: Rohan Bopanna, Matthew Ebden, Zhang Zhizhen, Tomas Machac, Rod Laver, Rajeev Ram, Joe Salisbury, Zhang, Machac, ” Ebden, “ I’ve, We’ve, Ebden, Simone Bolelli, Andrea Vavassori, Yannick Hanfmann, Dominik Koepfer, Hsieh Su, Elise Mertens, Belgium, Storm Hunter, Australia, Katerina Siniakova, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Daryna Yastremska, Zheng Qinwen Organizations: — Veteran, U.S Locations: MELBOURNE, Australia, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Taiwan

☆ Coco Gauff knocked out of Australian Open by defending champion Aryna Sabalenka
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Coco Gauff’s pursuit of back-to-back grand slam titles came to an end on Thursday as she was defeated by Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals of the Australian Open. Defending champion Sabalenka triumphed 7-6(7-2) 6-4 in Rod Laver Arena for her 13th consecutive win at Melbourne Park. In a tight rematch of last year’s US Open final, during which the 19-year-old Gauff won her first major title, the world No. 2 took control of the contest with a break at 4-4 in the second set before serving out for the match. Another finely-balanced second set followed, although this time neither player could find the all-important break.

Persons: Coco Gauff’s, Aryna Sabalenka, Sabalenka, Rod Laver, Gauff, Zheng Qinwen, Eloisa Lopez, Reuters Sabalenka, old’s, Serena Williams, “, ” Organizations: CNN, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Gauff, Reuters, ESPN Locations: Saturday’s, Melbourne

Learn moreYou're just a few clicks away from a free Gauff vs. Sabalenka live stream of this huge Australian Open encounter. How to watch free Gauff vs. Sabalenka live stream from anywhereIf you want access to the free Gauff vs. Sabalenka live stream of the Australian Open semi-final, there's an excellent option direct from the source on the free Australian 9Now streaming service. It's covered every single serve of the tournament and will be showing all the finals this weekend, as detailed in our free Australian Open live stream guide. How to watch Gauff vs. Sabalenka in the USAESPN has the rights to live stream all of the Australian Open in the USA. How to watch Gauff vs. Sabalenka in the UKYou'll find the Australian Open live streams on Eurosport in the UK.

Persons: Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Gauff, Sabalaneka, We've, there's, It's, we've, ExpressVPN, There's Organizations: ESPN, Six Nations, Australian, USA ESPN, Hulu, Disney Plus, Eurosport, Amazon Prime Locations: Australia, Canada, USA

Thankfully, you can enjoy that one for free with the same viewing options as the Zheng vs. Yastremska live stream. How to watch free Zheng vs. Yastremska live stream from anywhereIf you want access to the free Zheng vs. Yastremska live stream of the Australian Open semi-final, there's an excellent option direct from the source on the free Australian 9Now streaming service. It's covered every single serve of the tournament and will be showing all the finals this weekend, as detailed in our free Australian Open live stream guide. How to watch Zheng vs. Yastremska in the USAESPN has the rights to live stream all of the Australian Open in the USA. How to watch Zheng vs. Yastremska in the UKYou'll find the Australian Open live streams on Eurosport in the UK.

Persons: Dayana Yastremska, Qinwen Zheng, We've, Rod Laver, Zheng, there's, It's, we've, ExpressVPN, There's, Sabalenka Organizations: ESPN, Six Nations, Rod Laver Arena, Australian, USA ESPN, Hulu, Disney Plus, Eurosport, Amazon Prime Locations: Ukraine, China, Australia, Canada, USA

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic held off Taylor Fritz 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in 3 3/4 hours to reach the Australian Open semifinals for the 11th time on Tuesday. After Fritz held in the 11th game, Djokovic was agitated and gesturing to get the attention of his support team, calling for salts. After all that resistance, though, Fritz was broken in the second game of the third set when Djokovic converted his 16th chance. He hit back immediately, converting his second break point with a forehand that clipped the net and dropped for a winner. Djokovic had beaten Fritz in straight sets in all but one of their previous eight encounters, including last year's U.S. Open quarterfinals.

Persons: — Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Djokovic, he’s, Andrey Rublev, Fritz, Taylor, ” Djokovic, Coco Gauff's, Marta Kostyuk, Aryna, ___ Organizations: Melbourne Park, U.S Locations: MELBOURNE, Australia, Ukraine

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Coco Gauff beat Marta Kostyuk 7-6 (6), 6-7 (3), 6-2 in an error-strewn match at the Australian Open on Tuesday to claim a place in the semifinals. The fourth-ranked Gauff saved two set points as she came from 5-1 down to take the opening set on the tiebreaker but was pushed to a deciding set before clinching victory after 3 hours, eight minutes. Gauff hit 51 unforced errors, nine double faults and just 17 winners but survived to set up a meeting with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka or No. The American has now won 12 straight matches in Grand Slam tournaments after winning the U.S. Open last September. 1 Novak Djokovic is in action later, taking on Taylor Fritz for a place in the semifinals.

Persons: — Coco Gauff, Marta Kostyuk, Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz Organizations: U.S Locations: MELBOURNE, Australia

☆ Coco Gauff reaches first Australian Open semifinal with battling win against Marta Kostyuk
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Coco Gauff overcame a significant first-set deficit to reach her first semifinal at the Australian Open, defeating Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 7-6(8-6) 6-7(3-7) 6-2 on Tuesday. The American star has now won 12 consecutive grand slam matches following her victory at the US Open last year. The pair traded breaks throughout a tight second set, and this time it was Kostyuk who triumphed in the eventual tie-break to force a decider. Gauff raced into a 5-0 lead but, despite dropping a serve late on, saw out the match to advance to the third grand slam singles semifinal of her career. Kostyuk pushed Gauff all the way in her first grand slam quarterfinal.

Persons: Coco Gauff, Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, Gauff, Kostyuk, “, ” Gauff, “ Marta, Aryna Sabalenka, Barbora Krejčíková, Julian Finney, –, ” Organizations: CNN Locations: Melbourne, American

For those Ukrainian players competing at the Australian Open in Melbourne, it’s a gesture that has more meaning than ever. I think it’s important to remember about it and do everything.”Kostyuk said journalists need to keep the news alive. “They want the drama, they wanted news, they wanted all this heating between players and everything,” she said. I still don’t understand what all these (Russian and Belarusian) players are doing here.”When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the plight of Ukrainian players was uppermost in everyone’s minds, with Wimbledon banning Russian and Belarusian players from competing that year and numerous fund-raising events held around the tennis world. Since the war began, Ukrainian players have made a point of not shaking the hands of Russians and Belarusians, sometimes to the confusion of crowds, who have blamed the loser.

Persons: Lesia Tsurenko, Aryna Sabalenka, Tsurenko, Marta Kostyuk, Elina Avanesyan, Dayana Yastremska, ” Kostyuk, ”, “, Victoria Azarenka, Elina Svitolina, it’s, Yastremska, Svitolina, Varvara Gracheva Organizations: Wimbledon, ATP, WTA Tours, U.S, Melbourne Locations: MELBOURNE, Australia, Belarusian, Melbourne, Belarus, “, Ukraine, Sabalenka, Russia, Brisbane, Yastremska

☆ Australian Open: ‘Part of … war machine hurting my country and my people’ says Ukrainian of Russian and Belarusian opponents
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —For Ukrainian tennis players Marta Kostyuk and Lesia Tsurenko, focusing on tennis continues to be challenging. Kostyuk and Tsurenko have continued to avoid the usual post-match handshakes with opponents from either Russia or Belarus, which is being used as a staging ground for the invasion. “My mother sends me videos when there are missiles flying over their house,” Kostyuk told reporters. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka and said playing against players from Russia or Belarus is still “tough.”“They’re part of that … war machine hurting my country and my people,” Tsurenko said. “She said: ‘Great play,’” Sabalenka told reporters.

Persons: Marta Kostyuk, Lesia, Tsurenko, Kostyuk, Russia’s Elina Avanesyan, “, ” Kostyuk, it’s, ”, “ It’s, It’s, Sabalenka, ” Tsurenko, Lesia Tsurenko, Phil Walter, what’s, ’ ” Sabalenka, Maria Timofeeva Organizations: CNN, “, ” CNN, Getty, Kostyuk Locations: Ukrainian, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Melbourne, Russian

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka reached the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday with a 6-0, 6-0 demolition of Lesia Tsurenko. “Last year, Iga (Swiatek) won so many sets 6-0 and this is one of the goals, to try to get closer to her,” Sabalenka joked. The pair did not shake hands — as is the convention for Ukrainian players against opponents from Russia or Belarus — but Tsurenko congratulated Sabalenka verbally. Sabalenka will play Amanda Anisimova, who continued her comeback with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Paula Badosa. 4 Jannik Sinner moved into the fourth round without losing a set, thanks to a dominant 6-0, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Sebastian Baez.

Persons: Aryna Sabalenka, Rod Laver, ” Sabalenka, “, Tsurenko, Sabalenka, Amanda Anisimova, Paula Badosa, Anisimova, I’m, Men’s, Sebastian Baez, Karen Khachanov, Tomas Machac, Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic, Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Alex de Minaur, Flavio Cobolli Organizations: —, Ukrainian Locations: MELBOURNE, Australia, Russia, Belarus, Alycia Parks, Italy

☆ Coco Gauff eyes ‘double digits’ grand slam career goal ahead of Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Coco Gauff may have won her maiden grand slam title at last year’s US Open, but the American youngster already has that particular success in her rear-view mirror. Right now, I would say double digits would be pretty awesome,” Gauff told reporters ahead of this year’s Australian Open. Sarah Stier/Getty Images Gauff celebrates her win after the final set. Sarah Stier/Getty Images Sabalenka and Gauff pose for a photo with former player Billie Jean King before the match. Sarah Stier/Getty Images Gauff is introduced ahead of the match.

Persons: Coco Gauff, Gauff, Aryna, Serena Williams, Arthur, Mike Segar, Reuters Gauff, Mike Stobe, Sarah Stier, Shannon Stapleton, Frank Franklin II, Darren Carroll, AP Sabalenka, Danielle Parhizkaran, Al Bello, Charles Krupa, Clive Brunskill, Sabalenka, Billie Jean King, Timothy A, Clary, Elina Svitolina, Anna Karolína Schmiedlová, Brad Gilbert, ” Gilbert, CNN Sport’s Don Riddell, “ Organizations: CNN, Wimbledon, Reuters, USTA, AP, USA, Network, Sabalenka, Gauff, Getty, Auckland Locations: American, Flushing Meadows, Queens, Belarus, AFP, Melbourne

Folks in Canada and the UK, we've found the cheapest options for you, too, or we can help you tune into that free Australian coverage. How to watch Australian Open live streams free from anywhereIf you want free access to all of this year's Australian Open, then there's an excellent option direct from the source on the Australian 9Now streaming service. Watch the Australian Open. How to watch the Australian Open in the USAESPN has the rights to live stream the Australian Open in the USA. How to watch the Australian Open in the UKYou'll find the Australian Open live streams on Eurosport in the UK.

Persons: we've, You'll, you'll, Alcaraz, Djokovic, Emma Raducanu, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, ExpressVPN Organizations: ESPN, Nations, Six Nations, USA ESPN, Hulu, Disney, Eurosport, Amazon Prime Locations: Australian, Canada, Australia, USA, Fubo

☆ Sabalenka, Rybakina to open new season in Brisbane
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Tennis - WTA Finals - Cancun, Mexico - November 5, 2023 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka in action during her semi final match against Poland's Iga Swiatek REUTERS/Henry Romero Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Nov 28 (Reuters) - World number two Aryna Sabalenka and number four Elena Rybakina will open their 2024 seasons at the Brisbane International warm-up for the Australian Open, organisers said on Tuesday. The 25-year-old will join her fellow Belarusian and twice Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka in the 48-player Brisbane field as she prepares for her first Grand Slam title defence at Melbourne Park. "Australia holds a special place in my heart after winning my first Grand Slam there," Sabalenka said in a news release. "I can't wait to make my debut at the Brisbane International and play in front of the Queensland tennis fans." Russian-born Kazakh Rybakina, the Wimbledon champion in 2022, lost to Sabalenka in this year's Melbourne final.

Persons: Poland's Iga Swiatek, Henry Romero, Elena Rybakina, Naomi Osaka, Sabalenka, Nick Mulvenney, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Poland's Iga Swiatek REUTERS, Rights, Brisbane International, WTA, United, Victoria Azarenka, Brisbane, Melbourne, Queensland tennis, Wimbledon, Thomson Locations: Cancun, Mexico, Belarus, Perth, Sydney, Russia, Ukraine, Australia, Kazakh

☆ Billie Jean King: Players ‘are exhausted,’ says tennis great as she urges the sport’s authorities to work together
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

It meant many of the sport’s top players opted not to play the latter – an end-of-year tournament dubbed the World Cup of tennis. Aryna Sabalenka waits during a rain delay at this year's WTA Finals. Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesSimon responded with a letter of his own during the WTA Finals, outlining to players how the organisation was handling the issues raised. But there looks to be no magic solution to the array of problems facing women’s tennis at the moment. “But I think about men’s and women’s tennis, I don’t just think about women’s tennis.

Persons: Issues, Sabalenka, Storm Hunter, Jessica Pegula, Billie Jean King, –, Poland’s Iga, “, ” Sabalenka, Clive Brunskill, Marketa Vondrousova, ” Vondrousova, we’ve, Steve Simon, Martina Navratilova, ”, ” Navratilova, Simon Organizations: CNN, Tennis Association, WTA, International Tennis Federation, Tennis, BJK, Amazon Prime Locations: Cancún, Mexico, Seville, Spain

☆ Iga Świątek regains world No. 1 ranking after thrashing Jessica Pegula to win WTA Finals title
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Iga Świątek brushed aside Jessica Pegula to win the WTA Finals on Monday and return to the top of the world rankings. The win means Świątek replaces Aryna Sabalenka as the world No. “Coming back to world number one, it’s a dream come true, for sure,” Swiatek told reporters after winning her first WTA Finals title. So I’m really happy.”Since her last-16 defeat at the US Open, Świątek has won 12 out of the 13 matches she’s played, picking up titles at the China Open and now Cancún. It capped off a controversial WTA Finals, with players unhappy with the organisation of the event, run by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

Persons: Jessica Pegula, Sabalenka, ” Swiatek, “, I’m, Świątek, she’s, “ We’ve, Matthew Stockman, ”, Pegula, Martina Navratilova, Steve Simon, Simon, ” Świątek Organizations: CNN, WTA, China, Getty, Women’s Tennis Association, Tennis, Amazon, Sports Locations: Cancún, Mexico

☆ Swiatek avoids rankings distraction and focuses on the right stuff
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The four-time Grand Slam champion swept aside Jessica Pegula 6-1 6-0 to claim her first WTA Finals title, and return to the top of the rankings after being deposed by Aryna Sabalenka in September. "So I think today was ... just being narrow with your head, only thinking about the right stuff." The 22-year-old Pole said she had been distracted by the ranking race at other tournaments and it had affected her performance. Cancun was named as venue for the $9 million WTA Finals, which brings together the top eight singles players and doubles partnerships to conclude the season, less than two months before it started on Oct. 29. The tournament was supposed to conclude on Nov. 5 but rain and high winds meant the semi-final between Swiatek and Sabalenka was not completed until that day, with the final shunted to Monday.

Persons: Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, Henry Romero, Aryna Sabalenka, Sabalenka, Swiatek, Chiranjit, Peter Rutherford Organizations: U.S, REUTERS, WTA, Thomson Locations: Cancun, Mexico, Swiatek, Bengaluru

☆ Swiatek swats aside rival Sabalenka to reach WTA Finals title match
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Tennis - WTA Finals - Cancun, Mexico - November 5, 2023 Poland's Iga Swiatek in action during her semi final match against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka REUTERS/Henry Romero Acquire Licensing RightsNov 5 (Reuters) - Poland's Iga Swiatek knocked out rival Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-2 in the semi-final of the season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun on Sunday, putting the world number one ranking within her reach ahead of Monday's title match. The current number one Sabalenka ended Swiatek's WTA Finals campaign in the penultimate stage a year ago but lacked her usual lethal power in Cancun, as a flurry of forehand errors undermined her best efforts. The four-time major winner Swiatek wrested the momentum immediately when play resumed on Sunday, and broke Sabalenka's serve in the fourth game. The 22-year-old pumped her fists and cheered wildly as the Australian Open champion Sabalenka sent one into the net on match point. She faces a tough challenge against an in-form Pegula, who shredded the U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff 6-2 6-1 to reach the title match on Saturday.

Persons: Iga, Aryna Sabalenka, Henry Romero, Iga Swiatek, Aryna, Jessica Pegula, Swiatek, Sabalenka's, Sabalenka, I'm, Coco Gauff, Jessie, Amy Tennery, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Shri Navaratnam, Josie Kao, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: Belarus, Aryna Sabalenka REUTERS, WTA, China, Swiatek, Montreal, Thomson Locations: Cancun, Mexico, U.S, Pegula, New York, Bengaluru

☆ Swiatek wins WTA Finals, regains world number one ranking
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/8] Tennis - WTA Finals - Cancun, Mexico - November 6, 2023 Poland's Iga Swiatek celebrates with the trophy after winning her final match against Jessica Pegula of the U.S. REUTERS/Henry Romero Acquire Licensing RightsNov 6 (Reuters) - Iga Swiatek dominated American Jessica Pegula 6-1 6-0 to win the season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun on Monday and regain her world number one ranking from Aryna Sabalenka. The Pole broke Pegula five times and won the final 11 games in a 59-minute slaughter to capture her first WTA Finals title in a match delayed by a day due to rain. "I want to thank my team who have been with me for the whole season," Swiatek said during the trophy ceremony. The 29-year-old Pegula, who struggled on her serve and failed to match Swiatek's energy level, was gracious in defeat. "Congrats on ending the year number one and winning this tournament, it's really incredible" she said.

Persons: Iga, Jessica Pegula, Henry Romero, Swiatek, Aryna, We've, it's, Rory Carroll, Ken Ferris Organizations: U.S, REUTERS, WTA, U.S ., Thomson Locations: Cancun, Mexico, Los Angeles

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