Top seed Aryna Sabalenka overcame a spirited challenge from Amanda Anisimova to book her place in the WTA Finals championship match in Riyadh. The Belarusian won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 after more than two hours of high-quality tennis filled with fierce rallies and heavy hitting.
“It was an incredible fight,” said Sabalenka. “Amanda pushed me to play my best tennis. Honestly, even if I had lost, I’d still be proud of the match we played. We both deserved to be in the final.”
Rybakina awaits in the title clash
Sabalenka will now face Elena Rybakina, who produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the other semi-final. The world number one believes her battle with Anisimova was ideal preparation for Saturday’s decider. “It’s going to be another powerful game,” she said. “I’ll give everything I have left this season for that beautiful trophy.”
Match lived up to the hype
Anisimova, who had won six of their previous ten meetings, started strongly and matched Sabalenka’s intensity from the start. The opening two games alone lasted 18 minutes, setting the tone for a gripping contest. After over an hour, Sabalenka finally clinched the first set, but Anisimova hit back, storming to a 4-0 lead in the second before levelling the match.
The deciding set remained tense until Sabalenka broke in the seventh game with a blistering backhand return. A warm embrace followed at the net when Anisimova’s final forehand drifted wide.
“I told Amanda she should be proud of her season,” Sabalenka added. “She’s been playing incredible tennis and this is only the beginning for her.”
Rybakina’s serve powers her through
Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has now won ten matches in a row. Despite Pegula breaking her four times, the Kazakh hit 15 aces to surpass the 500-ace mark for the year. A crucial net cord helped her seize a decisive break in the final set before closing out the win.
“My serve helped me when I needed it,” said Rybakina. “Jessica started really well, but I’m glad I managed to fight back and find my rhythm.”
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