Aryna Sabalenka (right) was runner-up at the 2022 WTA Finals, losing to Caroline Garcia
Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked player, has described her “incredible” semi-final win against Amanda Anisimova at the WTA Finals as “great preparation” ahead of her final match against Elena Rybakina in Riyadh on Saturday.
The 27-year-old Belarusian overcame American opponent Anisimova in a hard-fought semi-final, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 after two hours and 21 minutes of intense competition.
“She [Anisimova] always pushes me to play my best tennis, and honestly, I wouldn’t have minded losing this match because we both played incredibly well and deserved a place in the final,” Sabalenka stated.
“It was an incredible battle, and I’m extremely happy to have secured the win.”
Rybakina of Kazakhstan secured her spot in the final by defeating American Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the other semi-final.
Sabalenka added, “It’s going to be another powerful match, and I think today was excellent preparation for facing Elena.”
“I’m eager to give everything I have in the final match of the season and compete for this beautiful trophy.”
Prior to the match, Anisimova held a 6-4 advantage in their head-to-head record. However, Sabalenka had won their two most recent encounters at Grand Slam events, while Anisimova prevailed in their Wimbledon semi-final.
Sabalenka emerged victorious in straight sets in the French Open fourth round and the US Open final, while Anisimova won their Wimbledon semi-final in three sets.
Their semi-final clash in Riyadh lived up to its billing.
The first two games alone took 18 minutes to complete. Anisimova saved three break points to hold serve in the opening game, while Sabalenka fought back from 0-40 down to do the same.
The first set eventually went to Sabalenka after a little over an hour.
Anisimova, who had not won an opening set in her previous four matches at the WTA Finals, responded strongly by taking a 4-0 lead in the second set and levelling the match.
In a closely contested final set, Sabalenka secured a decisive break of serve with a backhand return winner in the seventh game. The match concluded with a warm embrace between the two players at the net after Anisimova’s forehand went wide on match point.
Sabalenka said, “I told Amanda that she should be proud of her season. She’s played incredible tennis all year, and this is just the beginning for her.”
“I know she’s probably disappointed, but there are many more opportunities ahead for her.”
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Elena Rybakina’s 503 aces this year lead the WTA Tour
Rybakina was only broken twice during her three group-stage victories, but Pegula quickly disrupted her opponent’s formidable serve in Friday’s first semi-final, securing two breaks in her first three return games.
Rybakina, ranked number six in the world, was broken four times by Pegula but also served 15 aces, surpassing 500 for the 2025 season.
A crucial moment occurred when Pegula had two game points on her serve to take a 4-4 lead in the deciding set.
Rybakina, 26, benefitted from a fortunate net cord on the first of those points, leading to four consecutive points and a pivotal break.
“Jessica started very well, and I was a little slow to get going,” said the 2022 Wimbledon champion, who has now won 10 consecutive matches.
“She broke me, and it wasn’t easy to come back, but I’m glad I managed to find my rhythm in the second set and win in three.”
“My serve helped me when I needed it. We had some tough rallies, and I’m happy that, in the end, I was able to push myself a little harder and win.”
Timea Babos and Luisa Stefani have reached the doubles final after defeating Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) in their semi-final.
Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend will face Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens in the other semi-final.
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