Riyadh, Nov 8 (IANS) — World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the WTA Finals championship match after a gritty 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Amanda Anisimova in a thrilling semifinal on Friday, setting up a title showdown against Elena Rybakina. Both players remain unbeaten in the tournament and will battle for their maiden Billie Jean King Trophy.
Sabalenka, last year’s runner-up, holds an 8–5 career edge over Rybakina, including a memorable win in the 2023 Australian Open final. “It’s going to be another powerful match,” Sabalenka said. “Today’s game was great preparation for Elena. I’ll give everything in the last match of the season.”
After trading early breaks with Anisimova, Sabalenka seized control late in the first set but faltered briefly as her opponent raced to a 4-0 lead in the second. The top seed regrouped in the decider, using her big serve and relentless groundstrokes to reclaim momentum and secure victory.
Earlier, Rybakina rallied from a set down to defeat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, continuing her dominant run despite battling a shoulder issue. The highly anticipated final promises a power-packed contest between two of the sport’s most formidable hitters.
