Elena Rybakina stays undefeated at WTA Finals, beating alternate Alexandrova 6-4, 6-4 to reach semi-finals with nine-match winning streak.
ELENA Rybakina maintained her perfect record at the WTA Finals with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Russian alternate Ekaterina Alexandrova on Wednesday.
The Kazakh world number six had already secured her semi-final spot as winner of the Serena Williams Group before this match.
Rybakina extended her current winning streak to nine consecutive matches with the straight-sets victory.
“Ekaterina is always a tough opponent and has a big serve. I’m happy I was able to win in straight sets,” said Rybakina, who played with taping on her shoulder.
Alexandrova replaced American Madison Keys, who withdrew due to a viral illness.
Keys expressed disappointment at having to withdraw from the tournament despite her strong season.
The Australian Open champion had lost both her previous round-robin matches to Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova.
Anisimova and Swiatek will compete for the group’s remaining semi-final spot.
Rybakina will face either Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula or Coco Gauff in Friday’s semi-finals.
Mirra Andreeva, the first alternate, elected not to sign in due to fitness concerns despite competing in doubles.
Thursday will see the conclusion of the Stefanie Graf Group matches, though Italian Jasmine Paolini has reported feeling unwell. – AFP
