Aryna Sabalenka eager for battle against Iga Swiatek for the World No. 1 spot as the two prepare for semi-final showdown at the WTA Finals 2023

Swiatek trails Sabalenka by just 660 points in the WTA rankings.

Aryna Sabalenka eager for battle against Iga Swiatek for the World No. 1 spot as the two prepare for semi-final showdown at the WTA Finals 2023

Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek (Images via Eurosport)

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka is eager to face Iga Swiatek in the semifinals of the 2023 WTA Finals as the two players also battle it out for the year-end World No.1. The Belarusian is currently the top-ranked player while Swiatek is just behind her in the live rankings. The Pole trails Sabalenka by just 660 points.

Now, as Sabalenka and Swiatek get ready to face each other in the semifinals, the Belarusian has expressed her excitement for the battle. Sabalenka said that she wanted to face Swiatek at the 2023 US Open as well. Nevertheless, she is excited that they will be up against each other with two things at stake- a spot in the final and the year-end World No.1.

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As I said at the US Open, I didn’t want her to lose that match. I really wanted to play against her to decide who’s the #1 in the world. I said that & now it’s a possibility that we’re gonna play for the #1 spot. I would love to play against Iga. That would be a really incredible match. I hope the stadium would be full. And I hope they’re gonna keep screaming Sabalenka.
Aryna Sabalenka ahead of her match against Swiatek.

What are the dynamics of the year-end World No.1 for Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek?

Both Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka are well and truly alive in the race to the year-end World No.1. Although the Belarusian has an advantage of 660 points in the live rankings, Swiatek can pip Sabalenka to finish at the year as the top-ranked player on the tour.

Iga Swiatek Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek (Image via WTA)

Swiatek needs to win her next two matches at the 2023 WTA Finals to go past Sabalenka in the live rankings. Anything less than that would mean Sabalenka would finish the season as the top-ranked player. Even if Swiatek manages to beat Sabalenka in the semifinals but then goes on to lose the final, she would sit ideal in the second position.

Now, before the final showdown, Iga Swiatek needs to overcome the Sabalenka challenge in the semis. The two players have met on eight occasions so far and Swiatek has emerged victorious in five of those. However, in the two meetings at the WTA Finals, the Belarusian has gotten the best out of the Polish ace. So, it will be interesting to see who takes the match this time around.

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