The three-set defeat in Indian Wells concluded a difficult late-season stretch for Sabalenka, who had arrived as the favorite at the $10 million event following Elena Rybakina's illness-related withdrawal. Despite completing the Sunshine Double earlier in the campaign, Sabalenka failed to add more titles and previously surrendered the top world ranking at the US Open. Meanwhile, debutant Mirra Andreeva continued her pristine tournament run by sweeping alternate Diana Shnaider. Andreeva, having already secured a spot in the semifinals, is scheduled to compete against American Jessica Pegula on Saturday.
Key points
Svitolina earned her first head-to-head victory over Sabalenka in more than six years to…: Svitolina earned her first head-to-head victory over Sabalenka in more than six years to advance to Saturday's semifinal against Linda Noskova.
Sabalenka finished the season without any additional trophies following her early-year vi…: Sabalenka finished the season without any additional trophies following her early-year victories at the Indian Wells and Miami Open tournaments.
Alternate Diana Shnaider entered the draw following the withdrawal of Karolina Muchova, w…: Alternate Diana Shnaider entered the draw following the withdrawal of Karolina Muchova, who was sidelined by a gastrointestinal illness.
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INDIAN WELLS, California, Nov 13 : Elina Svitolina stunned Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 3-6 1-6 on Friday to reach the semifinals of the season-ending championships in Indian Wells where she will face Linda Noskova.
Svitolina redirected Sabalenka's power throughout the match, breaking the Belarusian's serve six times and pouncing on a short ball that she crushed on match point for her first win over Sabalenka in more than six years.
Ukrainian Svitolina continued her long-standing policy of refusing post-match handshakes with players from Russia and Belarus due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and did not shake Sabalenka's hand at the end of the match.
The 2018 WTA Finals champion Svitolina will next face Wimbledon champion Noskova on Saturday for a spot in the final.
It is a disappointing end to the season for Sabalenka, who won the "Sunshine Double" by winning both Indian Wells and the Miami Open earlier in the season, but did not win another title after that.
She lost her world number one ranking to Elena Rybakina at the US Open and as the second seed was the…
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