World number two Aryna Sabalenka cruised through to the semi-finals of the Italian Open with a victory over ninth seed Jelena Ostapenko. The Belarusian needed just one hour and 13 minutes to dispatch Latvian Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4. This dominant performance sets Sabalenka up for a last-four clash with American 13th seed Danielle Collins, who beat Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 6-3.
Sabalenka could then face world number one Iga Swiatek in the final, a repeat of the Madrid Open final earlier this month which the Polish top seed won in dramatic fashion. Swiatek takes on world number three Coco Gauff in the other semi-final, marking the first time the top three women’s players in the world have reached the semi-finals of a WTA event of 250 level or higher since the 2013 French Open. This highlights the high level of competition and excitement in Rome.
“With this amazing atmosphere and with this amazing support – that’s why I’m super motivated here and that’s why I always say that this is the dream tournament for me to win,” said Sabalenka. “I really enjoy playing here so I don’t have to think about being focused. I’m just here enjoying it and doing everything I can to win every point I play no matter what the score. I guess that’s the key.” Her enthusiasm and focus have clearly been key factors in her success this season.
Collins’ win over Azarenka means the world number 15 has won 19 of her last 20 matches, with her only loss against Sabalenka in the Madrid Open fourth round. The 30-year-old, who won her first WTA 1000 title in Miami in March, announced in January she will retire at the end of the season. This adds an extra layer of significance to her performance, as she aims to cap off her career with strong results.
