In a more challenging second semi-final that was briefly interrupted by rain, American Jessica Pegula emerged victorious against Spain’s Paula Badosa, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
In her third encounter with Swiatek this season, and their first on a hard court, Belarusian world number three Sabalenka demonstrated her skills with a swift and assertive approach to the game.
“I wasn’t over-rushing things. I was trusting myself a lot, and I wasn’t trying to over-hit the ball,” Sabalenka said, as quoted by Reuters. “I was just trying to stay there, put as much pressure as I can on her, and I was really focused on my serve.”
Swiatek put up a brave fight in an attempt to stage a late rally, but she found it challenging to match Sabalenka’s speed and accuracy.
Pegula, the reigning Canada Open champion, extended her winning streak to nine matches with this victory.
Her next goal is to accomplish a feat that hasn’t been achieved since Evonne Goolagong in 1973: claiming both the Canada and Cincinnati titles in a single season.
The upcoming Monday final will mark Sabalenka’s ninth appearance in a WTA 1000 championship match, while Pegula will be making her fifth showing at this level.
