Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina defeated world number two Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set encounter to secure her place in the semifinals of the 2026 WTA Finals in Indian Wells, California. Svitolina recovered from losing the second set to claim a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory, ending Sabalenka’s campaign at the season-ending tournament.
Svitolina Overcomes Sabalenka in Three Sets
The sixth-ranked Ukrainian produced an impressive performance on Friday, November 13, breaking Sabalenka’s serve six times to secure her second career victory over the Belarusian in eight meetings.
Svitolina controlled much of the opening set, winning it 6-3. However, Sabalenka responded strongly in the second set, raising her level and taking it 6-3 to force a decider.
The Belarusian made an early breakthrough in the third set, moving ahead 1-0 after breaking Svitolina’s serve. However, the Ukrainian quickly regained control, winning the next six consecutive games to complete the 6-1 set victory.
Sabalenka struggled with consistency throughout the match, committing 35 unforced errors, while Svitolina took advantage of the opportunities presented by her opponent.
The victory marked Svitolina’s first win over Sabalenka in more than six years, having last defeated her in Strasbourg in 2020.
Svitolina to Face Linda Noskova in Semifinal
With the victory, Svitolina finished second in Group 2 with a 2-1 record and advanced to the semifinals, where she will face Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova on Saturday.
The Ukrainian is seeking a second WTA Finals title, having previously won the prestigious season-ending tournament in 2018. She also reached the final in 2019.
Svitolina’s return to the semifinals marks a significant achievement in her first appearance at the tournament since 2019.
Speaking after the match, she described the contest as mentally demanding and said she focused on taking it one point at a time.
Mirra Andreeva Crushes Aryna Sabalenka to Secure WTA Finals Semifinal Spot
Sabalenka’s Season Ends Without Another Title
The defeat brought Sabalenka’s 2026 campaign to an end without another title after her successful start to the year.
The Belarusian won the Indian Wells and Miami Open titles in March, completing the prestigious Sunshine Double. However, she failed to add another tournament victory during the remainder of the season.
She also lost the world number one ranking to Elena Rybakina at the US Open and entered the WTA Finals as the second seed.
Sabalenka had been among the favourites to win the $10 million season-ending competition, particularly after Rybakina withdrew before the tournament because of illness.
Mirra Andreeva Also Secures Semifinal Place
Earlier on Friday, Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva continued her impressive run by defeating compatriot Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-1.
Andreeva, who had already secured qualification for the semifinals, completed the group stage with three consecutive victories without dropping a set.
Shnaider entered the match as a replacement for Karolina Muchova, who withdrew because of a gastrointestinal illness.
Andreeva will face American Jessica Pegula in the other semifinal.
The 2026 WTA Finals, featuring the world’s leading women’s tennis players, are being held at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, with the tournament offering total prize money of $10 million.
Source: Reuters and official WTA tournament information.
