Liudmila Samsonova's three-set win over Aryna Sabalenka in the second round of the WTA Tour 1000 tournament in Guadalajara was gratifying for the Russian in many ways. Financially, perspectively and also because it was the first win against a top five player. Despite an outstanding 2022 season, especially in the past few weeks, Samsonova has no chance of a place at the WTA Finals in Fort Worth. Even if she wins the tournament in Mexico.

She is no different than Paula Badosa, who reached the semi-finals at the end of the season last year, or Belinda Bencic. However, with a successful performance in Guadalajara, these two could still have moved up to one of the top eight places in the race. Alone: Badosa had to give up after losing the first set against Victoria Azarenka . And Bencic had no chance against Sloane Stephens .

Sabalenka has to tremble for a place in the final

Before the start of the round of 16 it now looks like this: Iga Swiatek , Ons Jabeur , Jessica Pegula and Cori Gauff have bought their ticket for Fort Worth. Caroline Garcia could also make everything clear with a win against Sloane Stephens today.

Behind Garcia is Aryna Sabalenka in the annual standings, but Daria Kasatkina could overtake her today. If Kasatkina wins against Ana Kalinskaya. Veronika Kudermetova, who now plays Jelena Ostapenko, would have to reach the semifinals to overtake Sabalenka.

And then there's Madison Keys, Maria Sakkari and Danielle Collins. Keys (in the round of 16 against Azarenka) and Sakkari would probably be enough to take part in the final. Which the tableau also gives. Danielle Collins, on the other hand, would have to see it through to the end. The next hurdle? Maria Sakkari in today's round of 16.