World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka outlasted Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a thrilling semi-final on Friday to book her place in the WTA Finals championship match against Elena Rybakina.
The Kazakh star had earlier rallied from a set down to defeat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in another hard-fought contest.
Sabalenka, who is chasing her first-ever WTA Finals crown, will be aiming to cap off one of the finest seasons of her career with a title victory as she renews her rivalry with Rybakina in the season-ending decider.
The semi-final clashes in Riyadh showcased the fierce competitiveness at the top of women’s tennis, as both matches stretched to three sets filled with power, precision, and resilience.
Rybakina, playing with confidence after a strong finish to the year, overcame a shaky start and a right shoulder concern to overpower Pegula.
Despite committing 25 unforced errors in the opening set, she found her rhythm with trademark big serving—firing 15 aces—to secure her spot in the final with an unbeaten record in the tournament.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, demonstrated her composure and tactical maturity in overcoming the powerful Anisimova.
The Belarusian used her superior defence, court intelligence, and ability to absorb pace to neutralize her opponent’s aggressive shot-making, sealing victory and advancing to the WTA Finals championship match for the second time in her career.
In other tennis action, Novak Djokovic advanced to the final of the Hellenic Championship in Athens with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Yannick Hanfmann,
In Metz, Britain’s Cameron Norrie reached the Moselle Open final after battling past Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. Norrie will face American Learner Tien in Sunday’s final.
