Sabalenka beats Anisimova in pulsating WTA Finals semi
World number one Aryna Sabalenka fought hard to defeat fourth seed Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a thrilling semi-final at the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Friday.
The Belarusian four-time Grand Slam champion secured her spot in the championship match, where she will face Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina. Earlier, Rybakina edged past fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 at the King Saud University Indoor Arena.
Sabalenka fired 12 aces and saved six of nine break points to reach her second final in five appearances at the season-ending tournament.
“She always pushes me to play my best tennis,” said Sabalenka, who warmly embraced Anisimova at the net. “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 year, but it’s just the beginning for her. There are many good things coming her way for sure.”
Both players entered the match undefeated through four rounds in Riyadh, each chasing the record prize of $5.235 million that awaits the tournament champion on Saturday.
Author’s Summary:
Sabalenka overcame Anisimova in a fierce battle at the WTA Finals, setting up a high-stakes final against Rybakina for the record prize in Riyadh.