Elina Svitolina is back in the final four of the WTA Finals.

The Ukrainian beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 on Friday at Indian Wells to book her spot in the semifinals. She needed four match points to close it out.

It was only her second win over Sabalenka in eight meetings and her first in six years.

A messy match in the wind

Neither player was at her best on a gusty afternoon. Both finished with more errors than winners.

Svitolina hit 21 winners against 24 errors. She was sharp when it counted, though, winning six of her eight break points.

"She gave me a few chances here and there so I could find my shots," Svitolina said.

Sabalenka fought back to take the second set and grabbed an early break in the third. Then it fell apart for her. She finished with 35 errors and did not speak to reporters afterward.

Sabalenka was the runner-up at this event last year.

Playing for her daughter

Svitolina won the WTA Finals in 2018 and reached the final in 2019. This is the first time since then that she has qualified.

She became a mother for the first time four years ago and says that is part of what keeps her going.

"I want my daughter to see me win tournaments," she said.

Who is left

Svitolina will face Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in Saturday's semifinals.

The other semifinal pits Mirra Andreeva against Jessica Pegula. Andreeva, the 19-year-old French Open champion, won 12 of the last 13 games to beat Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-1 in 55 minutes.

Andreeva went 3-0 to win her group and dropped just 11 games in those three matches.

Shnaider was a late fill-in for Karolina Muchova, who pulled out with a stomach illness. She spent the week practicing without knowing if she would get to play.

"It's nice to share a court with your friend," Andreeva said. "It's more nerve-wracking for me personally because I know her well."