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In a rare repeat, on Saturday we will see the final of the 2022 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix after Iga Sviatek and Aryna Sabalenka won their semi-finals.
Ons Jaber retired with an injury but earlier Sabalenka beat Anastasia Potapova 6-1, 6-2 to reach the final for the third straight season.
Sabalenka needed just 58 minutes to dismiss Potapova in the first working meeting between the friends.
The Australian Open winner was eager to shut down Potapova and never let her into the match.
Potapova is looking for her third straight top 10 win after defeating No. 6 Coco Gauff and No. 5 Caroline Garcia in her previous two matches in Stuttgart.
«I think I’m really focused, and I think I played very aggressively from the first point,» Sabalenka said after the match.
“I did not give. [Potapova] most of the time. I think that’s why the game ended so quickly. But anyway, she is a great player and I think she will be a great player in the future.
Sabalenka hit 15 winners to Potapova’s six in the first set and dominated the tie in the second as the match ended quickly.
He believes the Belarusian is a different player than the one she lost to in Stuttgart last year.
«Last year I was struggling a lot with a lot of things, especially my serve,» Sabalenka said. «This year I feel like a different player and a different person. So I feel like I’m more stable on the court.
Later on Saturday, Swiatek advanced to her second Porsche Tennis Grand Prix final when world No. 4 Ons Jaber was forced to retire 3-0 down in the first set.
Jaber said she felt like she had given something to her calf a long time ago and soon realized she couldn’t go on.
«The third point, I don’t know what happened,» Jaber said. “I was really looking forward to playing Egan today, it’s always an exciting match between us. I wish you the best of luck for the finals.
«Sorry guys, I tried to run, but Iga never makes it easy.»
Swiatek faces an in-person interview after a few games, but says she expects more of Man’s battles to be shared.
«I don’t know what Onnes’ situation is, but I respect the fact that she came out and that she tried, and she wanted to see how it goes,» Swiatek said.
“I told her that maybe we’ll play the Roland Garros final, so we’ll see each other there. She’s a fighter, so she bounces back quickly. I hope it’s nothing serious.
Swiatek expects a big match against Sabalenka, who he has been in close contact with this season.
«Arina is a very good player and is in good shape,» Swiatek said.
“I have to be ready to play my best tennis. Sure, this floor – we both like the clay court – but it’s a little faster than most clay courts. When I get back and ready for a fast pace.
