In Madrid

Final rematch between Sabalenka and Swiatek fixed

As last year, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka will contest the final of the WTA tennis tournament in Madrid. Swiatek from Poland beat the US American Madison Keys (No. 18) 6-1, 6-3 on Thursday, while the Belarusian Sabalenka (2) only beat Elena Rybakina (4) from Kazakhstan 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (5) after midnight.

Swiatek's tenth duel with Sabalenka will take place on Sunday, with Swiatek leading 6:3. The world number one won their last meeting in the semifinals of the WTA Finals in the fall with a clear 6:3, 6:2. A year ago in Madrid, however, Sabalenka came out on top 6:3,3:6,6:3, making her the defending champion. In the rankings this week, she has more to lose than her opponent, with a good 3,000 points separating the two.

"It's definitely going to be a big fight, like we always have," said Sabalenka in a preview. "It's always incredible matches between us. I will give everything to land this win."

In the quarter-finals of the men's tournament on Thursday, Daniil Medvedev (3) had to retire against the Czech Jiri Lehecka (30) at 4:6 due to a groin injury. Afterwards, the Russian was unsure whether he would be able to defend his Rome title next week. A magnetic resonance examination should clarify the situation this week.