Sabalenka was aiming for a maiden success at the season-ending WTA Finals, having reached the round of 16 in each of the last four years and losing to Rybakina in last year’s final.
But this was another occasion where Sabalenka, unlike Svitolina, seemed unable to maintain a positive attitude in difficult times.
After breaking down against Andreeva, she produced the positive start she wanted by firing an angled forehand winner to earn an immediate break of serve.
But it didn’t take long for Sabalenka’s game to threaten to collapse again as she conceded the first set losing six of seven games – twice broken by love.
The response was excellent, with a reduction in unforced errors helping her achieve a double break and take a 5-1 lead before serving out the set at the second attempt.
However, the inconsistency returned and, with it, the frustration. After giving up an early lead in the deciding match, Sabalenka threw her racket to the ground as Svitolina stood strong to quickly turn the tide.
Sabalenka saved two break points, but allowed Svitolina to take a third with a double fault, and the world number six kept her composure to deliver the victory.
Gn sports
