Sabalenka Beats Anisimova in Thrilling WTA Finals Semi
World number one Aryna Sabalenka fought hard to defeat fourth seed Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in an intense semi-final at the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Friday.
The Belarusian four-time major champion powered her way into the final, where she will face Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina. Rybakina advanced by overcoming fifth seed Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 earlier at King Saud University Indoor Arena.
Match Highlights
- Sabalenka served 12 aces
- Saved six of nine break points
- Secured a spot in the WTA Finals final for the second time in five appearances
Player Reflections
“She always pushes me to play my best tennis,” Sabalenka said. “Honestly, I wouldn’t care if I would lose this match because we both played an incredible match and we both deserve to be in the final.”
“I’m super happy to get the win. I told Amanda that she should be proud of her season, she played incredible tennis the whole season, but it’s just the beginning for her. There are many good things coming her way for sure.”
Final Showdown and Stakes
Both Sabalenka and Rybakina remain unbeaten through four matches this week in Riyadh. The winner of Saturday’s final has a chance to claim a record $5.235 million prize.
Summary: Aryna Sabalenka battled fiercely to reach the WTA Finals final in Riyadh, setting up a high-stakes clash with Elena Rybakina for a record prize.