LO 2022: Top favourite Sabalenka reaches final

Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the final of the Libéma Open. The number six of the world, who started the tournament as favourite based on her ranking, defeated Shelby Rogers (WTA-42) 7-6(6) 6-0.

It looked as if Rogers, after trailing 4-2 in the first set, was going to take the prize after all. The American broke twice, allowing her to serve for the set win at 6-5.

Sabalenka broke back to force a tiebreak, but at 6-5 the first set point was for Rogers. By winning the three points after that, the top seed still made it 1-0 in sets.

Sabalenka had less to fear from her opponent in the second set. The former number two of the world did not give up a game and thus secured her final spot.

Sabalenka will try to win her first WTA title of 2022 at the Libéma Open on Sunday. For that, she has to stop Ekaterina Alexandrova.