World number one Aryna Sabalenka edged past Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a fierce semi-final contest on Friday to reach the WTA Finals championship match, where she will face Elena Rybakina for her first season-ending title.
In a clash of heavy hitters, Sabalenka’s relentless power proved decisive as she recovered from a mid-match dip to seal victory in just over two hours.
The Belarusian now faces Rybakina, her opponent from the 2023 Australian Open final, holding an 8-5 advantage in their head-to-head record.
“It’s going to be another powerful match,” Sabalenka said. “Today was great preparation for Elena. I’m looking forward to leaving everything on court and fighting for this beautiful trophy.”
After a tight first set, Anisimova stormed through the second to level the match, but Sabalenka’s big serve and aggression returned in the decider, where a crucial break for 4-3 swung momentum firmly in her favour.
“She’s always pushing me to play my best tennis,” Sabalenka added. “We both deserved this place in the final. It was an incredible fight.”
