Svitolina Stuns Sabalenka to End Belarusian's Season at WTA Finals

Posted : 14 November 2026

Elina Svitolina produced an impressive performance to defeat Aryna Sabalenka and secure her place in the semi-finals of the 2026 WTA Finals, bringing the Belarusian's season to a disappointing end.

The Ukrainian claimed a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory after a fiercely contested encounter, exposing Sabalenka's inconsistency and frustration during crucial moments of the match.

Sabalenka initially responded positively, but her performance deteriorated in the deciding set as Svitolina maintained her composure to secure victory.

The former world number one struggled to control her emotions, throwing her racquet to the ground and showing visible frustration as the match slipped away.

After losing the opening set, Sabalenka recovered impressively in the second. She reduced her unforced errors, secured two breaks of serve and established a commanding 5-1 advantage before eventually taking the set 6-3.

However, the momentum shifted again in the decider. Svitolina capitalised on Sabalenka's mistakes, winning the final six games to complete the victory and book her place in the last four.

The Ukrainian, who won the WTA Finals in 2018 and reached the final in 2019, is making her first appearance at the season-ending tournament since that campaign.

Reflecting on the difficult encounter, the 32-year-old said mental strength was crucial to her performance.

"It was an extremely tough match, especially mentally. I was just trying to play one point at a time," Svitolina said.

She will now face Czech Republic's Linda Noskova in the semi-finals after finishing runner-up to Mirra Andreeva in their group.

Sabalenka's Difficult End to 2026

The defeat represents another disappointing setback for Sabalenka, who finishes the season without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2022.

The 28-year-old reached the Australian Open and US Open finals but lost both matches. However, she enjoyed considerable success elsewhere, winning three titles, including Indian Wells and the Miami Open to complete the Sunshine Double.

Sabalenka entered the WTA Finals with an impressive 81% winning record, having secured 47 victories from 58 matches on the women's tour.

Despite those achievements, she lost the world number one ranking to Elena Rybakina following the US Open, ending her 99-week reign at the top.

Her WTA Finals elimination also ended a run of four consecutive appearances in the tournament's knockout stages. She had reached last year's final before losing to Rybakina.

Andreeva Continues Impressive Run

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva continued her outstanding debut campaign by completing the group stage with three consecutive victories.

The French Open champion defeated compatriot Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-1 in just 55 minutes after Karolina Muchova withdrew because of illness.

Andreeva had already secured victories against Svitolina and Sabalenka to guarantee top spot in her group.

She will face American Jessica Pegula in the other semi-final as she targets a place in Sunday's championship match.

The Russian has also made history as the youngest player to reach the WTA Finals knockout stages in 17 years, further strengthening her position among the leading figures in women's tennis.

Svitolina Stuns Sabalenka to End Belarusian's Season at WTA Finals

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