Sabalenka Advances to Riyadh WTA Finals Championship, Defeats Anisimova in Thrilling Semifinal
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Aryna Sabalenka will face Elena rybakina in the final of the 2025 WTA Finals after a hard-fought, three-set victory over Amanda Anisimova in Riyadh on Thursday. The match, a captivating display of resilience from both players, concluded with a score of [insert actual score here – not provided in source text]. Sabalenka’s win sets the stage for a compelling championship clash against Rybakina, promising a high-stakes finale to the season-ending tournament.
The semifinal encounter showcased the growing rivalry between Sabalenka and Anisimova, who entered the match with Anisimova holding a 6-4 advantage in their head-to-head record. Their recent clashes have been notably critically important, featuring victories for Sabalenka in the French Open fourth round and US Open final, countered by Anisimova’s triumph in a three-set wimbledon semi-final. This Riyadh match lived up to the anticipation, delivering a contest marked by intense rallies and crucial momentum swings.
The opening set was a grueling affair, taking over 18 minutes to navigate the first two games. Anisimova demonstrated her defensive prowess by saving three break points to hold serve, while Sabalenka displayed her fighting spirit by battling back from 0-40 down to hold her own. After more than an hour of play, Sabalenka ultimately secured the first set.
Anisimova, seeking her first opening-set win in four matches at her WTA Finals debut, responded emphatically.She quickly established a 4-0 lead in the second set, ultimately leveling the match and forcing a decisive third. The final set proved to be a tense battle, with Sabalenka breaking serve in the seventh game with a stunning backhand return winner. The match concluded when Anisimova’s forehand sailed wide on match point, followed by a warm embrace between the two competitors at the net.
“I told Amanda that she should be proud of her season - she’s played incredible tennis for the whole season and it’s just the beginning,” Sabalenka said following the match. “I know she’s probably disappointed but ther are many more things coming her way.”
Sabalenka and Rybakina will now face off in the WTA Finals championship match on [insert date here – not provided in source text], vying for the title and cementing their place as the top players of the 2025 season.
