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New Delhi: World number one Aryna Sabalenka overcame fourth-seeded Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a high-octane semi-final clash at the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Friday. The Belarusian, a four-time major winner, booked a spot in the final against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, who earlier beat fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 at King Saud University Indoor Arena.
The Belarusian clocked 12 aces and saved six of nine break points to secure her spot in the summit clash for a second time in five appearances at the season-ending championships. Both Sabalenka and Rybakina are unbeaten through four games so far this week and have a chance of winning a record $5.235 million with a victory in the final on Saturday.
Rybakina claimed a 10th successive victory on Friday by defeating Pegula to qualify for the championship match at the WTA Finals for the first time in three appearances. Sabalenka and Anisimova's rivalry has become one of the most compelling this season. They faced off against each other for a fourth time this season (Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open, Riyadh).
The world number one saved all five break points she faced, converting two of the eight she created to win a highly competitive first set in 60 minutes. Anisimova made a strong comeback in the second set, breaking twice to take a 4-0 lead. She punished Sabalenka’s second serve and pounced on every short ball.
She was broken while serving for the set but recovered quickly to take the match into a decider. In game seven of the final set, Sabalenka made some stunning shots to break the American and gain a 4-3 advantage. Both players exchanged powerful shots, but Sabalenka found her best rhythm when it mattered most, claiming her fifth victory in 11 meetings against Anisimova.
After the match, Sabalenka said that Anisimova always pushes her to play her best tennis, and she wouldn't mind losing because they both played brilliantly and deserved to be in the final.
"I’m super happy with the win. I told Amanda she should be proud of her season; she’s played incredible tennis, and it’s just the beginning for her. When I arrived, I didn’t have many expectations. I’m very happy with my performance in Asia, though I was quite tired," she added.
Sabalenka will face Rybakina in the summit clash of the WTA Finals on November 8.
