RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the WTA Finals championship match for the first time in three years, prevailing over Amanda Anisimova with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a thrilling semifinal clash on Friday.
Sabalenka is set to face off against first-time finalist Elena Rybakina on Saturday.
Rybakina, ranked No. 6, triumphed over No. 5 Jessica Pegula with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, delivering an impressive 15 aces during the match.
Sabalenka was tested fiercely by No. 4 Anisimova, who matched her intensity and fire for over two hours in this rematch of the U.S. Open final.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion from Kazakhstan, Rybakina has secured victory in all four of her matches this week, sealing her triumph against Pegula on her very first match point.
“Coming back wasn’t easy, but I’m thrilled to have found my rhythm in the second set and emerge victorious in this epic three-set battle,” Rybakina stated. “My serve was crucial when it mattered most.”
Pegula previously reached the finals earlier this year in 2023.
