Elina Svitolina beat Aryna Sabalenka 6–3, 3–6, 6–1 in Indian Wells on November 13 to secure the final singles semifinal place at the 2026 WTA Finals. She finished second in Group 2 and will face Group 1 winner Linda Noskova.
It was Svitolina’s first victory over Sabalenka in six years, ending five consecutive defeats in the matchup, including this year’s Australian Open semifinal.
Recovering the opener, then breaking twice in the third
Svitolina fell an early break behind before turning the opening set around to win it 6–3. Sabalenka responded with the same score in the second, taking the final qualification contest into a deciding set.
Svitolina broke twice in the third and reached her service game at 5–1 before closing the match 6–1. Two days earlier she had recovered from a set down against Karolina Muchova to stay in contention. She has now converted that opportunity into a semifinal place.
The final four and Muchova’s withdrawal
The other semifinal is Mirra Andreeva against Jessica Pegula, their first meeting on the WTA Tour. Andreeva had already secured first place in Group 2, while Pegula qualified second in Group 1.
Muchova withdrew from her last group match with gastrointestinal illness. No. 10 seed and second alternate Diana Shnaider replaced her against Andreeva. Muchova had already been eliminated after losses to Sabalenka and Svitolina, and Andreeva’s top position was already assured.
