Elina Svitolina keeps WTA Finals hopes alive

Mirra Andreeva, the 19‑year‑old Russian who won the French Open, beat world number two Aryna Sabalenka 6‑4 6‑0 to move into the last four of the WTA Finals after a run of 11 straight games.

Andreeva fell 4‑1 behind in the opening set but soon turned the tide, employing high loopy shots to unsettle Sabalenka before showing her power, hitting 16 winners while committing only six unforced errors. When she served for the first set she was 15‑30 down, yet she delivered three consecutive aces to take the lead and never looked back. Sabalenka, who had tape on her knee, managed just 10 points after holding a double break and recorded 23 unforced errors without a single ace.

The Belarusian had previously captured the Indian Wells title earlier in the year, but her recent form includes 6‑0 defeats in the French Open and Berlin Open finals. Andreeva told Sky Sports, "I will be honest, I feel like Aryna did not have the best day. I feel like I cannot really take all the credit today - I feel like that is not very fair in some ways. I'm just happy. I had a goal in front of me to commit no matter what and control the things I can control."

The win makes Andreeva the group winner, meaning the outcome of Friday's final group match between Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina will decide the other semi‑finalist.