WTA Finals 2025: Aryna Sabalenka vows to fight for 'beautiful trophy' after beating Amanda Anisimova to reach Riyadh final

React to this story

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka described her semi-final victory over Amanda Anisimova at the WTA Finals as "incredible" and said it would serve as "excellent preparation" for Saturday's final against Elena Rybakina in Riyadh. Sabalenka overcame her American opponent 6-3 3-6 6-3 to book her second WTA Finals title clash against Rybakina, who defeated Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-4 6-3 in the other semi-final.

'Hard work pays off' - Sabalenka thrilled to be No. 1 after 'tough lessons'

Video credit: SNTV

World No. 1. Aryna Sabalenka described her 6-3 3-6 6-3 semi-final victory over Amanda Anisimova at the WTA Finals as an "incredible fight" and the perfect preparation for Saturday's final against Elena Rybakina in Riyadh.

The 27-year-old Belarusian battled through a two-hour, 21-minute clash to book her place in her second final at the prestigious event.

"She [Anisimova] is always pushing me to play my best tennis," said Sabalenka, who was runner-up at the 2022 WTA Finals.

ATP Cincinnati

Fery falls to defeat to De Minaur in Cincinnati after being named in GB Davis Cup team

8 hours ago

"It was an incredible fight, and I'm super happy to get the win. I'm looking forward to leaving everything I have in the last match of the season and fighting for this beautiful trophy."

Kazakhstan’s Rybakina fought back from a set down to defeat Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-4 6-3 in the other semi-final, setting up a high-stakes final between two of the tour's hardest hitters.

Sabalenka, who is in her eighth final of 2025, added: "Today was great preparation for facing Elena. It’s going to be another powerful game."

The semi-final between Sabalenka and Anisimova certainly lived up to its billing.

Their previous 10 encounters had been tightly contested, with Sabalenka holding a narrow edge in Grand Slam meetings.

The first set was a rollercoaster, with 94 points contested across nine games. The first two games alone lasted 18 minutes. Sabalenka broke to lead 3-2, then fought off threats on her own serve before clinching a double break in the final game.

Anisimova responded in stunning fashion in the second set, racing to a 4-0 lead. Sabalenka managed to break back, but the American claimed one more service game to push the match into a decisive third set.

The decider saw both players serve strongly until the seventh game, before Sabalenka broke the Anisimova serve and went on to seal victory.

Reflecting on her opponent, Sabalenka said: "I told Amanda that she should be proud of her season – she’s played incredible tennis for the whole year, and it’s just the beginning. There are many more things coming her way."

Sabalenka will hope to complete the job on Saturday

Image credit: Getty Images

Rybakina, meanwhile, overcame early pressure from Pegula, who broke twice in the opening stages of the first set.

The 26-year-old held her nerve, serving 15 aces and benefiting from a pivotal net-cord break in the deciding set to extend her winning streak to 10 matches.

"Jessica started pretty well, and I was a bit slow," said Rybakina. "She broke me, and it was not easy to come back, but I’m glad I managed to find my way and win in three."

Reflecting on the defeat, Pegula said: "I don't feel great, to be honest - it sucks. It's a tough loss as she played well in some big moments.

Jelena Rybakina now stands in the way of Sabalenka

Image credit: SID

"I feel I got a little unlucky with the net cord, but kudos to her, she served well, and in these conditions it is hard.

"I feel like I can end this year knowing that I became a better player and hopefully have confidence and get excited to work on some things I know that I want to work on in the off-season and see if I can do the same thing next year."

With the final looming, Sabalenka and Rybakina are set to clash in a showdown of power, precision, and determination.

For Sabalenka, the focus is clear: leave everything on the court and fight for the trophy she has long coveted.

Watch and stream top tennis action, including the 2026 Australian Open, live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Cincinnati Men's Singles -

Djokovic admits battle with health condition for 'past couple of years' as he prepares for US Open

Yesterday at 19:58

ATP Cincinnati

Struggling Djokovic beaten on return to court ahead of US Open

Related Matches