Aryna Sabalenka sails into her third consecutive Stuttgart final, defeating Anastasia Potapova in a commanding display.
Aryna Sabalenka has once again proven why she is still a player to count on on the clay courts of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. In a commanding performance against Anastasia Potapova, the Belarusian powerhouse secured a 6-1, 6-2 victory, marking her third consecutive appearance in the Stuttgart final.
Sabalenka's 2023 season has been nothing short of impressive, boasting a 23-3 record and reaching her fourth final this year. Despite her great record, Potapova declared before the match that she wanted to play against Sabalenka, stating:
"Aryna is my good friend, I think it's gonna be fun. I've been waiting for this match, I've really wanted to play against you Aryna I don't know of you're watching."
But the match wasn't so much fun for the Russian. The first set of the match was more competitive than the scoreline might suggest. Despite the close games, Sabalenka managed to capitalize on two of her three break point opportunities in the second and fourth games. Potapova, on the other hand, was unable to convert her chances in the fifth and seventh games, allowing Sabalenka to take the set 6-1.
In the second set, Sabalenka wasted no time asserting her dominance. She quickly secured a 4-0 lead and served out the set, leaving little room for Potapova to mount a comeback. Sabalenka's ruthless approach ultimately paid off, earning her a spot in the final after winning the second set 6-2.
The Belarusian now awaits her final opponent, with the match between world no. 1 Iga Swiatek and third-seeded Ons Jabeur set to determine her challenger. No matter the outcome, the final in Stuttgart final promises to be a thrilling showdown between some of the most talented players on the WTA Tour today.