Sabalenka Secures Final Berth After Three-Set Battle
World number one tennis star Aryna Sabalenka earned her place in the WTA Finals championship match after a hard-fought victory against Amanda Anisimova on Friday. The Belarusian champion needed three sets to overcome her determined opponent in a match that lasted nearly two hours at the Riyadh event.
Thrilling Semifinal Showdown
The gripping semifinal encounter saw Sabalenka claim the opening set 6-3 through her characteristic aggressive play. However, Anisimova mounted a strong comeback in the second set, winning four consecutive games to take it 6-3 and force a decisive third set.
Sabalenka demonstrated her championship mentality by regrouping impressively in the final set. The top-ranked player fired multiple aces and sealed her victory with a powerful backhand winner after intense baseline exchanges. The final score read 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in favor of the Belarusian.
Championship Clash of Unbeaten Titans
Sabalenka will now face Elena Rybakina in Saturday's final, creating a showdown between the tournament's only two undefeated players. Earlier in the day, Rybakina staged her own comeback victory against Jessica Pegula, recovering from a set down to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
The Kazakh player displayed remarkable composure under pressure, striking 15 aces during her semifinal match to maintain her perfect record in Riyadh.
Both finalists are competing for their first Billie Jean King Trophy, adding extra significance to what promises to be an explosive conclusion to the season-ending tournament. Sabalenka expressed her excitement about the upcoming final, stating: "It was an incredible fight. Amanda pushed me to play my best tennis. I'm proud to be in another final and excited for a great battle with Elena."
The championship match represents a fitting climax to an enthralling WTA season, with two of the tour's most powerful players competing for one of tennis's most prestigious titles.
