Gauff and Swiatek reach last four of WTA Finals

Sabalenka finished runner-up at last year's WTA Finals after losing to Caroline Garcia of France

World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina to secure her place in the last four of the season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico.

The Kazakh levelled the tie within two minutes of play being resumed, but Sabalenka eventually claimed a 6-2 3-6 6-3 victory.

"I didn't really think a lot about this match," she told Tennis Channel.

"I was just like, whatever. I'm going to go out there and do everything I can and if I win, I win and if I lose, I go home on vacation.

"I was just trying to play as good as I can."

WTA accepts responsibility for 'challenging' conditions in Cancun

The Belarusian, who is set to retain her world number one ranking if she reaches the final, joins American group winner Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals.

Rybakina and eighth-seeded Greek Maria Sakkari are eliminated from the group stage.

All four players in the other group are still in contention for the semi-finals.

US Open champion Coco Gauff faces Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova, while world number two Iga Swiatek - this year's French Open champion - is up against Ons Jabeur later on Friday.

Live scores, results and order of playAlerts: Get tennis news sent to your phone