Spain’s Paula Badosa ground out a 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 victory over Maria Sakkari at the WTA Finals in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Saturday and advanced to the semi-finals with two wins from two matches in Group Chichen Itza after Aryna Sabalenka beat Iga Swiatek.

Facing one of the WTA Tour’s great fighters, the seventh-seeded Badosa showed she can also play with grit during a two-hour, four-minute slugfest in the Mexican heat, stretching her winning streak to eight matches.

“I had to stay very aggressive but here it is tough because of the altitude. I stayed aggressive and focused and fighting a lot and I think that was the game plan,” Badosa said.

Badosa’s spot in the semi-final was ensured after top seed Sabalenka fought back from a set down to beat Swiatek 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 later on Saturday.

Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, started well but Sabalenka stormed back into the contest in the second set and was spurred on by a raucous crowd.

The two were locked at 5-5 in the third when Sabalenka broke Swiatek and then served out to eliminate the Polish 20-year-old.

“Guys, you’re just amazing, I have never felt that good on court. I’ve never felt this support from the crowd,” Sabalenka said in a post-match interview as the crowd cheered her on.

“I honestly think that this win is because of you. You gave me this energy, the motivation to keep fighting and I love you guys.”

The final group match between Sabalenka and Sakkari on Monday will decide the second semi-finalist from the group.