Elena Rybakina will be eyeing silverware after cruising into the semi-finals at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. But the 26-year-old shared a worrying message following her victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova after revealing that she had been struggling with a shoulder injury during the match.

Rybakina has been in sensational form in Saudi Arabia after being drawn to play in the Serena Williams Group. She opened her tournament with a comprehensive victory over Wimbledon and US Open finalist Amanda Anisimova, before securing a shock victory over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek after fighting back from a set down. And she is preparing to face Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals after easing past Alexandrova.

Rybakina was supposed to play against Madison Keys in her third match but ended up taking on Alexandrova after the American pulled out hours before the match due to illness.

The Kazakh got a decisive break towards the end of the opening set before surging ahead in the second. And she ultimately closed out a 6-4, 6-4 victory in just under an hour and a quarter.

After the match, Rybakina said: “I was just trying to of course win because each match I play I want to win and I knew that she’s a tough opponent and I need to be careful. And it’s definitely a good preparation for my next opponent, no matter who I play.

“And of course, a win gives you more confidence. So yeah, it was important. A little bit tired of course, physically, but I have a day off tomorrow so it definitely will help.”

The star then raised alarm bells as she added: “And with the shoulder it just happened on the warm-up.

“I felt a bit uncomfortable but we’re going to work on that. So hopefully it’s not going to be an issue for my next match. And yeah, I will try to do my best as always.”

Rybakina and Pegula will meet in the last-four today for a place in the showpiece match, which will be played at the King Saud University Indoor Arena on Saturday.

Pegula booked her place in the semi-finals after overcoming Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-3 on Thursday.

But the American has already tasted defeat this week, losing to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in her second match on Tuesday after opening her tournament with a three-set victory over Coco Gauff on Sunday. Pegula and Sabalenka could meet for a second time in the final, with the Belarusian due to face Anisimova in the second semi-final.