leading the 2004 Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova 6-3, 4-1 before eventually losing.

The 29 year old Garcia reached the semifinals of the US Open this year in her best ever grand slam singles result.

Garcia won doubles at Roland Garros this year and in 2016 in her best grand slam doubles results.

Garcia, ranked number four in singles, is an offensive baseliner with a stronger forehand than backhand.

The Frenchwoman took four titles this year at Hamburg, Warsaw, Cincinnati and Fort Worth.

In one of her greatest victories this year, Garcia defeated the then reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu of Great Britain in the second round of Wimbledon 6-3, 6-3.

In her best singles grand slam results, Sabalenka reached the semifinals this year and last year as well as last year's Wimbledon semifinals.

Sabalenka won doubles at the 2019 US Open and also at the 2021 Australian Open in her best career doubles results.

Sabalenka, ranked five in singles, is known for her powerful groundstrokes which often result in a high number of winners and unforced errors.

She is also known for her serve which can be problematic with several double faults in any given match.

The 24 year old Sabalenka posted her best results this year in finalist finishes at Stuttgart, S' Hertogenbosch and Fort Worth.

The WTA Tour restarts December 26th with the United Cup in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, Australia.

The year's first of four grand slams, the Australian Open is to be contested January 16-29 in Melbourne, Australia during the Australia summer.