Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are set to face off in the WTA Finals final after the top‑seeded Belarusian knocked out Amanda Anisimova 6‑3, 3‑6, 6‑3 in the semifinal in Riyadh.
The win keeps Sabalenka’s trophy‑hungry season alive, as she now meets an unbeaten opponent who also has never claimed the Billie Jean King trophy. Sabalenka, who finished runner‑up last year, has a slight edge in their head‑to‑head record, besting Rybakina 8‑5 overall, including a win in the 2023 Australian Open final.
“It’s going to be another powerful match,” Sabalenka said after the win. “Today was great prep for Elena, and I’ll leave everything I have on the court in the last match of the season. I’m fighting for this beautiful trophy.”
The match started tough for Sabalenka. She broke to move ahead 5‑3 in the first set, using her trademark baseline power to win after an hour of play. The momentum shifted when Anisimova rallied and took a 4‑0 lead in the second set, pushing the match toward a deciding set.
In the third set, Sabalenka reclaimed her rhythm, smashing a string of aces and hitting a key break with a blistering backhand. Despite late pressure, she held her nerve and won the final set to secure her spot in the title match.
“I’ve always pushed myself to play my best, and I wouldn’t have cared if I lost this match,” Sabalenka said. “We played an incredible match; both deserve this place in the final. I’m overjoyed with the win and told Amanda she should be proud of her season.”
Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina also advanced to the title match, rallying from a set down to beat Jessica Pegula 4‑6, 6‑4, 6‑3. Rybakina’s win keeps her unbeaten run alive despite a shoulder injury she picked up during warm‑ups. Pegula, last year’s finalist, found herself struggling with Rybakina’s inconsistent play, but managed a break‑point win in the opening set before falling.
The final, set for Saturday, will feature the tournament’s two undefeated players vying for their first Billie Jean King trophy. The tennis world watches closely as Sabalenka and Rybakina prepare for what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Source: ianslive
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