Aryna Sabalenka waits out a rain delay in opposition to Elena Rybakina – Getty Photos/Clive Brunskill
World primary Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus grabbed a 6-2, 3-5 lead over fourth-ranked Elena Rybakina and boosted her probabilities of securing a semi-final berth on the WTA Finals in Cancun earlier than play was suspended as a result of rain on Thursday evening.
Sabalenka, who powered previous Greek Maria Sakkari however misplaced to Jessica Pegula, placed on a dominant efficiency within the first set in opposition to the big-serving Kazakh as rain brought on a number of interruptions in a rematch of the Australian Open ultimate.
Rybakina discovered her groove throughout the second set earlier than play was suspended for the evening in Mexico.
Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are in rivalry for the year-end number-one singles rating. The Australian Open champion overtook four-time main winner Swiatek and captured the highest spot after the US Open.
The 25-year-old Sabalenka will retain the primary spot if she makes the ultimate.
American Pegula booked a semi-final spot on the season-ending event with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Sakkari, who got here into the match understanding she was already eradicated.
Right this moment’s order of play (UK time until said)
Not Earlier than 8pm
TO RESUME Aryna Sabalenka leads Elena Rybakina 6-2, 3-5
Not Earlier than 9pm
Coco Gauff vs Marketa Vondrousova
Not Earlier than 11pm
Iga Swiatek vs Ons Jabeur
Outcomes
October 29
Jessica Pegula beat Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-2
Aryna Sabalenka beat Maria Sakkari 6-0, 6-1
October 30
Iga Swiatek beat Marketa Vondrousova 7-6 (7-3), 6-0
Coco Gauff beat Ons Jabeur 6-0, 6-1
October 31
Elena Rybakina beat Maria Sakkari 6-0, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-2)
Jessica Pegula beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-3
November 1
Iga Swiatek beat Coco Gauff 6-0, 7-5
Ons Jabeur beat Marketa Vondrousova 6-4, 6-3
November 2
Jessica Pegula beat Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2
watch the WTA Finals on TV within the UK
Amazon Prime Video is exhibiting the event this yr with protection beginning at 9.55pm.
watch the WTA Finals on TV within the US
The US broadcasting rights to indicate the event this yr belong to Tennis Channel with protection beginning at 3.30pm (ET).
When is the ultimate?
The event began on October 29 and ends with the ultimate on November 5.
The place are the WTA Finals being held?
The event is going down in Cancun, Mexico. The situation was solely confirmed in early September, which prompted Aryna Sabalenka to complain in regards to the poor organisation of the event.
Who’s competing within the singles?
Karolina Muchova was the eighth participant to qualify however withdrew as a result of a proper wrist damage. She was changed within the singles draw by first alternate Maria Sakkari.
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Iga Swiatek
- Coco Gauff
- Elena Rybakina
- Jessica Pegula
- Marketa Vondrousova
- Ons Jabeur
- Maria Sakkari
What are the WTA Finals singles teams?
Bacalar Group
1. Aryna Sabalenka
4. Elena Rybakina
5. Jessica Pegula
8. Maria Sakkari
Chetumal Group
2. Iga Swiatek
3. Coco Gauff
6. Ons Jabeur
7. Marketa Vondrousova
What’s the format?
The event is performed in a round-robin format with eight gamers break up into two teams of 4. The highest two from every group will advance to the semi-finals with the participant ending first from every group dealing with the second-placed finisher from the opposite.
What’s the WTA Finals prize cash?
The overall WTA Finals prize pool is £7,423,550. Gamers are awarded a set quantity of factors/prize cash for taking part in every match, plus extra factors and prize cash for every win. If a participant goes unbeaten and wins the title, they’ll win £2,494,254.
Which British gamers are concerned?
No British gamers are competing within the singles or doubles.
Who was final yr’s champion?
France’s Caroline Garcia gained the season-ending occasion final yr. She beat Sabalenka within the ultimate, 7-6 (4), 6-4, to change into the second French lady to win after Amelie Mauresmo in 2005.
