Aryna Sabalenka ‘plays perfect’ to snap Anett Kontaveit indoor WTA win streak at 22
Aryna Sabalenka has ended Anett Kontaveit’s stunning indoor win streak at 22 victories after she downed the Estonian to reach the semi-finals of the WTA 500 Stuttgart Open.
In fact, the Belarusian has now bookended Kontaveit’s win streak, having handed out her last indoor defeat in the quarter-finals in Stuttgart last year, 364 days ago.
While Sabalenka required three sets to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, she really raised her level in that deciding set.
She said in her post-match interview: “It was a perfect set from me.
“[Kontaveit] played really well, it was a really tough match and I’m super happy with the result.”
Kontaveit had previously beaten former world number one and home talent Angelique Kerber and Ekaterina Alexandrova to extend her indoor win streak to 22.
Anett Kontaveit on her 21-match indoor streak: “I’m aware of it b/c of social media. But these tournaments are so strong and every match is a huge challenge. When I step on the court I don’t think ‘Oh, we’re indoors now so I’m going to beat everyone (laughs).’”#PorscheTennis pic.twitter.com/G9SIOVnS5a
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) April 20, 2022
However, Sabalenka came into the encounter with ahistoric edge over Kontaveit, having never lost to the 26-year-old in four previous meetings.
She added: “Every match I play against Anett is always a tough battle.
“I wouldn’t say that I really like to play against her.”
Next up, the world number four takes on world number three Paula Badosa for a place in the final, the same stage Sabalenka reached last year before losing to then WTA world number one Ash Barty.
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