Stuttgart Open: Elena Rybakina Beats Iga Swiatek In Semi-Final

Elena Rybakina defeated top-ranked Iga Swiatek 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to reach the Porsche Grand Prix final and end Swiatek’s hopes of a third consecutive title on Saturday. Rybakina, the world No. 4, hit 10 aces and saved 11 of the 13 break points she faced to win the first semi-final at the clay-court tournament in 2 hours, 49 minutes. The victory over Swiatek is Rybakina's fourth win in six meetings. The Pole was bidding to become the first three-time champion in Stuttgart since Maria Sharapova from 2012-14. Rybakina will play Marta Kostyuk in Sunday’s final after the 27th-ranked Ukrainian defeated Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 7-6 (2), 6-2 in the other semifinal.

Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina reacts after her victory against Poland's Iga Swiatek at the semi finals of the WTA Tour in Stuttgart, Germany.

WTA Tour Photo: Marijan Murat/DPA via AP

Poland's Iga Swiatek tries to return the ball against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina during their semifinal match of the WTA Tour against, in Stuttgart, Germany.

WTA Tour Photo: Marijan Murat/DPA via AP

Poland's Iga Swiatek reacts during her semifinal match of the WTA Tour against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, in Stuttgart, Germany.

WTA Tour Photo: Marijan Murat/DPA via AP

Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina in action during the women's singles semifinal match against Poland's Iga Swiatek at the WTA Tour in Stuttgart, Germany.

WTA Tour Photo: Marijan Murat/DPA via AP

Poland's Iga Swiatek in action during the women's singles semifinal match against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina at the WTA Tour in Stuttgart, Germany.

Iga Swiatek Photo: Marijan Murat/DPA via AP

Poland's Iga Swiatek during the women's singles semifinal match against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina at the WTA Tour in Stuttgart, Germany.

Elena Rybakina Photo: Marijan Murat/DPA via AP

Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina sits in her chair between games during the women's singles semifinal match against Poland's Iga Swiatek at the WTA Tour in Stuttgart, Germany.