Sabalenka defeats Magdalena Frech to book semi-finals meeting with Gauff

Aryna Sabalenka delivered an imperious performance to dismiss Magdalena Frech and booked her place in the semifinals of Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open.

The 26-year-old Belarusian and World no.1 increased her chances of ending the season as the world’s top ranked player after defeating Magdalena Frech 6-2, 6-2 in the quarter finals on Friday.

Aryna Sabalenka is now the second player after Ashleigh Barty to reach the semi-finals of the Wuhan Open in all their first three appearances at this tournament.

With the victory, Sabalenka reached her fourth WTA 1000th semi finals of this year. she will next face American’s Coco Gauff for a place in the final on Saturday.

“I think the main thing is, once again, focus on myself, focus on my footwork, go to the net, finish the point [up] there. On this slow surface…you have to be brave enough and finish the point there. I think that’s the main plan. It worked really well in our last meeting, so I’ll just stick to the plan. I’ll try to put as much pressure as possible on her.” (via Wuhan Open press) Aryna Sabalenka shares her game plan versus Coco Gauff for their Wuhan Semi Finals tomorrow.

This is the fifth straight season in which Sabalenka and Gauff have faced off, and their rivalry has been a wild and unpredictable ride all the way.