Tennis-Sabalenka outlasts Anisimova, books WTA Finals title clash with Rybakina

Tennis: Sabalenka Defeats Anisimova to Reach WTA Finals Title Match Against Rybakina

World number one Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over Amanda Anisimova with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in an intense contest between powerful hitters on Friday in Riyadh. This victory secured Sabalenka a spot in the WTA Finals title match, where she will face Elena Rybakina. Both finalists are vying for their first Billie Jean King trophy.

Upcoming Final Preview

The final on Saturday features the tournament's only undefeated players. Sabalenka, a finalist in 2022, holds an 8-5 lead in their head-to-head record against Rybakina, including a win in the Australian Open final two years ago.

"It's going to be another powerful match," Sabalenka said ahead of her ninth final this season. "I feel like today was great preparation for Elena and I'm looking forward to leaving everything I have in the last match of the season and fighting for this beautiful trophy."

Match Highlights Against Anisimova

In a closely contested rematch of the September U.S. Open final, Sabalenka gained momentum after early exchanges, taking a 5-3 lead in the first set and eventually winning it in about an hour by increasing her aggression from the baseline.

Anisimova, who had saved five breakpoints earlier, responded strongly in the second set by winning the first four games, pushing the match into a decisive third set.

Sabalenka's resilience and aggressive play enabled her to overcome the challenge and continue her pursuit of the WTA Finals crown.

Author's summary: Aryna Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova in a tough three-set match to reach the WTA Finals final against Elena Rybakina, both chasing their first Billie Jean King trophy.

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Hindustan Times Hindustan Times — 2025-11-07

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