World number one Aryna Sabalenka battled past Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a powerful semifinal clash on Friday to advance to the WTA Finals championship match, where she will face Elena Rybakina for a chance at her first season-ending title.
In a high-intensity encounter between two of the tour’s biggest hitters, Sabalenka took early control after surviving several break points and breaking Anisimova for a 5-3 lead before closing out the opening set in just over an hour. The American struck back in the second, racing to a 4-0 lead as Sabalenka’s consistency dipped, forcing a deciding set.
Sabalenka rediscovered her rhythm with a series of blistering aces and a decisive backhand winner to break for 4-3. Despite some tense moments late in the match, the reigning U.S. Open champion held her nerve to seal victory and secure a long-awaited shot at the WTA Finals crown.
Earlier, Rybakina rallied from a set down to defeat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, maintaining her perfect record at the King Saud University Sports Arena. The Wimbledon champion fired 15 aces and overcame a shoulder issue to reach her first WTA Finals title match.
“It was such a tough battle. I’m glad I managed to find my way in the second set and win it in three,” Rybakina said. “My serve really helped me when I needed it most.”
Pegula, last year’s runner-up, started strong but struggled to maintain her momentum as Rybakina found her range. A late forehand error from the American handed the Kazakh the decisive break, allowing Rybakina to serve out the match and book a mouth-watering final against Sabalenka.
