In her quest to win a maiden Sunshine Swing title, she converted four of five break point opportunities against Paolini while saving all four faced on her own serve. Against Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals, Sabalenka improved to 6-0 against the reigning Olympic champion, winning five of the final six games from a break down in the second set.

“I think when I was young I think I never really watched tennis,” said Sabalenka.

“Maybe if I would be a little bit smarter when I was younger, maybe I would be a little bit better player, like, I would become a better player earlier.

“I’m actually enjoying, like, watching tennis lately,” she joked. “That’s crazy. I’m getting old!”

Still just 26 years old, Sabalenka awaits the winner of the second semifinal between No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula and Filipina wild card Alexandra Eala.