Aryna Sabalenka overcame Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a gripping two-hour-21-minute semi-final to reach the Riyadh final. The match lived up to expectations, with both players producing high-quality tennis and epic rallies, including a decisive backhand return winner from Sabalenka in the third set.
“I wouldn’t care if I had lost because we played an incredible match,” Sabalenka said. “It was an incredible fight, and I’m super happy to get the win.” Anisimova, making her WTA Finals debut, pushed Sabalenka hard, racing to a 4-0 lead in the second set before falling in the decider.
In the other semi-final, Elena Rybakina came from a set down to defeat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Despite being broken four times, Rybakina’s 15 aces and composure under pressure—particularly a pivotal net-cord lucky break at 4-4 in the decider—helped her secure a spot in the final.
The singles final promises a clash of power and precision, as Sabalenka and Rybakina prepare to cap off their 2025 campaigns in Riyadh. On the doubles front, Timea Babos and Luisa Stefani will face Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens after winning their respective semi-finals in straight sets.
The Riyadh finale now sets the stage for an intense conclusion to the WTA season, with both singles and doubles crowns ready to be decided.
