Iga Swiatek missed out on a place in the WTA Finals title match after a surprise defeat to Aryna Sabalenka on Sunday but the world No.1 said she is happy her “intense” season is finally at an end. The Pole, who went on a 37-match winning streak earlier in the year, won the French and US Opens as well as titles at Doha, Indian Wells, Miami, Stuttgart, Rome and San Diego.

Swiatek, 21, was the favourite to finish her year with the season-ending title at the WTA Finals in Fort Worth, Texas, but was beaten 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 by Sabalenka in their semi-final. “Not going to lie, I’ve been waiting for this moment,” Swiatek told reporters.

“It was pretty hard to see the finish line but still be fully motivated and ready for every match. “This season has been so intense and I’m so proud of myself that I could play so well till the end. I’m happy it’s done.”

Garcia in final

Caroline Garcia cruised past Greek Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 to reach her first WTA Finals championship match on Sunday, sending over 19 winners and a half-dozen aces. The US Open semi-finalist will be well-rested when she next faces Sabalenka, closing out the semi-final against the world No.5 in a cool 75 minutes