Sabalenka outlasts Anisimova, books WTA Finals title clash with Rybakina

Sabalenka Outlasts Anisimova to Reach WTA Finals Title Clash with Rybakina

World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 on Friday in a fierce battle between powerful hitters. This win sets up a WTA Finals championship match against Elena Rybakina, giving Sabalenka a chance to claim her first season-ending title.

The match, a rematch of September's U.S. Open final, featured intense early exchanges. Sabalenka took control to lead 5-3 in the first set and increased her aggression from the baseline to win it after one hour. Despite saving five breakpoints earlier, the New York champion struggled in the second set as Anisimova won the first four games, pushing the match to a deciding set.

In the final set, Sabalenka delivered a series of aces to level at 3-3 and then earned a crucial break with a powerful backhand winner. She managed to hold her nerve in the closing stages to secure victory over the American contender.

Earlier, Elena Rybakina recovered from a set down to beat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Rybakina reached the final undefeated at the King Saud University Sports Arena, moving closer to her first title at this tournament.

“After gruelling early exchanges, the rematch of September's U.S. Open final swung in favour of Sabalenka as she surged to a 5-3 lead and then turned up the aggression from the baseline to take the opening set in an hour.”
“Sabalenka hit a flurry of aces to hold for 3-3 in the third set and grabbed the decisive break in the next game with a huge backhand winner, before surviving some nervy moments at the end to see off her American opponent.”
“Rybakina earlier came from a set down to dismantle Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-4 6-3, reaching the final with a perfect record at the King Saud University Sports Arena.”

Summary: Aryna Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova in a tough three-set match to face Elena Rybakina, who came back to beat Jessica Pegula, in the WTA Finals title match.

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CNA CNA — 2025-11-07

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