Sabalenka Overcomes Anisimova and Aims for a First Title at the WTA Finals!
Two months after their final clash at the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova engaged in a battle of great intensity at the WTA Finals. After 2 hours and 21 minutes of struggle, the world number 1 prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 and secured an explosive final against Elena Rybakina.
Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova met for the fourth time this season: the Belarusian had won in the round of 16 at Roland-Garros and in the US Open final, while Anisimova had claimed their duel in the Wimbledon semifinals.
On the WTA Finals court, the two players delivered a match of very high intensity. The world number 1 gained the upper hand at the end of a tight first set, which lasted an hour, during which she saved five break points and fired 13 winners.
Far from being discouraged, Anisimova responded immediately at the start of the second set, breaking Sabalenka's serve and displaying remarkable efficiency, with 12 winners to just 4 unforced errors.
The baseline battle continued into the decisive set, where the Belarusian's experience ultimately made the difference. Sabalenka won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 after 2 hours and 21 minutes of combat.
In tomorrow's final, the WTA tour leader will face Elena Rybakina, a player who has always caused her some difficulties in the past (Sabalenka leads the head-to-head 8-5).
Anisimova, eliminated from these WTA Finals, concludes a highly successful 2025 season: 2 Grand Slam finals (Wimbledon and the US Open), 2 WTA 1000 titles (Doha and Beijing), and a world number 4 ranking, her career-best.
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