Aryna Sabalenka Survives Against Amanda Anisimova At WTA Finals

In a match that had more twists and turns than a telenovela, Aryna Sabalenka punched her ticket to the WTA Finals final, taking down a fiery Amanda Anisimova in a three-set rollercoaster, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. The world number 1 showed the heart of a champion, surviving a brutal test under the Friday night lights in Riyadh.

This wasn’t just a tennis match; it was a heavyweight bout. For two hours, the central court in Saudi Arabia witnessed a clash of titans, a classic power-versus-resilience slugfest that left the 15,000-strong crowd breathless. Sabalenka, with her booming serves and thunderous forehands, looked to end points with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Anisimova, playing with the grit of an underdog with everything to prove, just wouldn’t go away.

Sabalenka Survives a Scare

Let’s be real, after Sabalenka cruised through the first set, it looked like we were headed for an early night. She was serving bombs, breaking Anisimova twice, and generally looking like the top player she is. But then, in a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood script, Anisimova flipped the script.

The American, making her debut in this round, decided she wasn’t just happy to be there. She came out swinging in the second set, grabbing a quick double-break and reminding everyone why she’s one of the most dangerous players on tour. Suddenly, the unflappable Sabalenka looked rattled, and we had ourselves a ballgame.

A Decisive Third Set Delivers Drama

The deciding set was pure, unadulterated tennis drama. Every point felt massive. Anisimova saved a break point early to take a 2-1 lead, and you could feel the tension ratchet up. With a spot in the final on the line, both players threw caution to the wind, trading blows from the baseline. But in the clutch moments, champions separate themselves.

Sabalenka, looking to avoid another heartbreak, dug deep and found another gear. She broke for a crucial 4-3 lead, held her nerve to save a break point in the next game, and then sealed the deal with one last break, letting out a roar that was part relief, part triumph.

The Road To the Final

Sabalenka now looks to cap off an incredible, undefeated run in Riyadh. She’ll face off against Elena Rybakina in what promises to be an explosive final. Rybakina had her own three-set battle, coming from behind to defeat Jessica Pegula.

This semifinal wasn’t just a win for Sabalenka; it was a statement. She was tested, pushed to the brink, and still found a way to win. It wasn’t always pretty, 28 unforced errors will give her coach something to talk about, but it was effective. She proved that even when she’s not at her best, she’s still good enough to beat the best. Now, only one match stands between her and the coveted WTA Finals trophy.