Aryna Sabalenka’s stunning victory against Iga Swiatek has set up a clash with Caroline Garcia in the WTA Finals

Aryna Sabalenka displayed “incredible tennis” to defeat pre-tournament favourite Iga Swiatek and set up a WTA Finals championship match with Caroline Garcia.

Swiatek has won eight championships on the WTA Tour this year, including the French Open and US Open, and advanced through the group stage without losing a single set.

In Fort Worth, Texas, Sabalenka defeated the No. 1 player in the world 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 in less than two hours. The No. 1 player in the world had won all four prior matches against Sabalenka in 2018.

Sabalenka broke Swiatek in the first game of the match after fending off two break opportunities in the first game. However, Swiatek soon broke back. Former world No. 2 player breaks again to lead 3-1. In game eight, she clinched the set with her third break.

In the second set, a motivated Swiatek raced out to a 4-0 lead, and despite Sabalenka getting one break back, the top seed broke again to send the match to a decider.

The seventh seed then stepped on the gas, breaking in games four and seven to cruise to win.

“The only thing on my mind was getting her to work. And that’s all,” Sabalenka remarked.

“Only because of it was I able to play incredible tennis today and get this victory.”

She added: I have given her several easy matches this season, and I believe that is plenty. I wanted to ensure that every time she plays against me, she is aware of the effort required to win. This was the only reason I was able to play at such an incredible level tonight.”

She will meet Garcia in the final on Monday evening after the Frenchwoman defeated Maria Sakkari in 75 minutes, 6-3, 6-2.

The sixth seed was broken in games four and six of the first set, while Sakkari was broken in games five, one, and three in the second set.

Garcia’s triumph came the day after a gruelling three-set victory against Daria Kasatkina.

“I felt really thrilled. This morning, I spoke with my physiotherapist Laura Legoupil and expressed my hope that I would be able to attend the game.