MATCH REPORT | WTA FINALS: Iga SWIATEK overpowers Ons JABEUR and set up clash with Aryna Sabalenka

Iga Swiatek overcame Ons Jabeur 6-1, 6-2 and secured the Chetumal Group win, setting up a clash with Aryna Sabalenka as they both vie for the world No. 1 spot.

The Polish tennis sensation, Iga Swiatek, had a mission to ensure the top spot in the group after her dominant victories over Marketa Vondrousova (7-6, 6-0) and Coco Gauff (6-0, 7-5). Swiatek also needed a win to continue her quest for the world No. 1 ranking.

Ons Jabeur started her tournament journey with a painful defeat against Gauff (0-6, 1-6) but then triumphed against Vondrousova (6-4, 6-3). Jabeur still had the possibility of advancing to the next round, but she needed to defeat the 4-times Grand Slam champion in straight sets.

The match was significantly impacted by the strong wind, which prevented the players from serving at their usual level, leading to shorter points due to the lack of ball control.

The beginning of the match was closely contested, with both players holding their serves. However, Swiatek gained momentum and adapted better to the court conditions, winning five consecutive games, including two breaks, to claim the first set 6-1.

Jabeur struggled with her service, with a 57% first-serve accuracy, winning only 50% of those points and a mere 17% with her second serve. In contrast, Swiatek had a 58% first-serve accuracy and was effective in winning 73% of those points and 64% with the second serve.

In the early stages of the second set, Jabeur managed to secure a break but subsequently lost her serve twice in a row, allowing the world No. 2 to take a 3-1 lead. Without facing service difficulties, Swiatek secured another break in the seventh game, ensuring a definitive victory with a final score of 6-1, 6-2.

With her third consecutive win in the tournament, Swiatek will face Sabalenka in the semifinals, a repeat of the match from last year, which the Belarusian won.

Considering the results so far, Swiatek might have the ambition that now depends on her to finish the year at the top of the rankings. If she eliminates Sabalenka in the semifinals, she could become the new No. 1 if she wins the final. Otherwise, Sabalenka will finish the year as the No. 1 for the first time in her career.