"It's just the beginning," Sabalenka praises Anisimova after their WTA Finals clash

Aryna Sabalenka will play this Saturday to win the WTA Finals for the very first time in her career against Elena Rybakina. In the meantime, the world number 1 had nothing but good things to say about Amanda Anisimova, whom she defeated this Friday in the semi-finals.

Sabalenka will contest the WTA Finals championship match. Three years after her loss in the final to Caroline Garcia, the world number 1 will give herself the opportunity to lift this title for the first time. To do so, she will need to overcome Elena Rybakina.

Right after winning her semi-final against Amanda Anisimova (6-3, 3-6, 6-3), the 27-year-old player praised the American, who has had the best season of her career on the main tour with two WTA 1000 titles, two Grand Slam finals, and a 4th place finish in the WTA rankings.

"She always pushes me to play my best tennis. Honestly, it wouldn't have been a big deal if I had lost this match because I think we both played incredibly and we both would have deserved to be in the final.

It was a real battle, I'm very happy I was able to win. I told her she could be proud of her season. She played great tennis throughout the year. This is just the beginning.

Right now, she must be disappointed to have lost, but a lot of good things are coming for her in the future, without a doubt," Sabalenka stated after the match for The Tennis Letter.