Sabalenka advances to Stuttgart final alongside Ostapenko after defeating Paolini

Aryna Sabalenka had to work hard to overcome Jasmine Paolini. Despite a straight-sets victory with a score of 7-5, 6-4, the Belarusian was pushed by the Italian, especially in the first set where she led 5-2 before Paolini fought back to 5-5.

In her post-match interview, she said: "She made me work for every point—it’s always a tough battle against her. I try to apply as much pressure as possible on every point.

Maybe I’ve gotten better at managing my emotions, and that’s why I’m world No. 1."

In the final, Sabalenka will face Jelena Ostapenko, who earlier defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova. Sabalenka had a word for her opponent: "She’s playing really great tennis. I’ll fight for that nice car behind me. Please, I beg you, I need that car (laughs)."