World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka survived a fierce challenge from Amanda Anisimova, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a hard-hitting semifinal on Friday to book her place in the WTA Finals title match against Elena Rybakina.
The victory sets up a blockbuster final between two unbeaten powerhouses, each chasing their first Billie Jean King Trophy. Sabalenka, the 2022 runner-up, holds a slim 8–5 edge in their head-to-head, including a memorable win over Rybakina in the 2023 Australian Open final.
Sabalenka started strongly against Anisimova, breaking for a 5–3 lead before sealing the first set with trademark baseline aggression. The American fought back in the second, racing to a 4–0 advantage as she rediscovered her rhythm to level the match.
In the decider, Sabalenka rediscovered her intensity, using a flurry of aces and forehand winners to pull ahead 4–3. She then broke with a pinpoint backhand and closed out the match after one hour and 57 minutes to advance to her ninth final of the season.
Earlier, Rybakina staged a composed comeback to defeat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, maintaining her perfect record at the King Saud University Sports Arena. Pegula took the opener as Rybakina battled inconsistency, possibly affected by a minor shoulder issue from her warm-up.
But the Kazakhstani regrouped in the second, finding her range behind a dominant serve that produced 15 aces. She broke late in the deciding set after Pegula netted a forehand in the eighth game, then served out confidently to seal victory.
Saturday’s final promises to be a high-octane clash between two of the most powerful and consistent players on the WTA Tour — each determined to end their season on a statement-making high.
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