Aryna Sabalenka is through to her second WTA Finals final after overcoming Amanda Anisimova 6-3 3-6 6-3 in a high-quality semifinal.
Right from the start, it was clear that both players came to play as they went all in. In the first set, Sabalenka claimed two breaks while Anisimova missed out on a total of five break points and that pretty much decided the opener.
Down by a set, the fourth-ranked American instantly responded and started realizing her chances as she took the opening four games before closing out the set in the ninth game.
Through the opening five games of the third set, no breaks were seen. Then, Sabalenka stepped up big time and collected the next four games to seal the win.
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For the WTA Finals main glory, Sabalenka will take on Elena Rybakina, who defeated Jessica Pegula earlier today. For the two tennis star, it will be yet another meeting on the biggest stage. So far, the Belarusian has won eight of their 13 meetings, including the biggest that came in the 2023 Australian Open final.
Sabalenka showed major respect for Anisimova after their WTA Finals battle
Earlier this year, the Belarusian beat Anisimova in the French Open round-of-16 and the US Open final, while the American won their Wimbledon semifinal match. Despite the win in Riyadh, the world No. 1 still owns a negative 5-6 head-to-head against Anisimova.
"She (Anisimova) is always pushing me to play my best tennis. Honestly I wouldn't care if I lost this match because I think we played an incredible match and both deserved this place in the final," the four-time Grand Slam champion said afterward.
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Three years ago, Sabalenka was beaten by Caroline Garcia in the WTA Finals final in Fort Worth. On Saturday, she will have another chance to become a champion at the prestigious season-ending tournament when she takes on Rybakina.
