French Open champion Gauff didn’t do an excessive amount of incorrect within the opening set however Sabalenka excels in tie-breaks, having gained 22 of the 24 breakers she has performed this yr.
Gauff’s serve, which has been problematic in current occasions, held up extraordinarily properly within the first set – with 72% of first serves in, 62% of first-serve factors gained and 70% of factors gained behind her second serve.
Nevertheless, she didn’t serve out the opener at 5-4 up earlier than her first double fault of the match gifted four-time main singles champion Sabalenka two set factors within the tie-break.
On the opposite facet of the web, Sabalenka demonstrated the total vary of feelings as she twice battled again from a break down; frustration after a number of factors misplaced, despair after sending a backhand volley large in the course of the tie-break after which celebration as she thrashed a strong forehand winner to clinch it.
Sabalenka rapidly moved 4-0 up within the second and, regardless of briefly giving again considered one of her two breaks of serve, she served out victory to remain heading in the right direction for a primary WTA Finals title.
Sabalenka is into the semi-finals for a fourth successive yr however has solely reached the ultimate as soon as, shedding to Caroline Garcia in 2022.
