World number one Aryna Sabalenka and Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina will meet in the thrilling WTA Finals 2025 Sabalenka vs Rybakina showdown after both players came through tough three-set battles in the semifinals. The match promises to be a power-packed contest as both aim for their first Billie Jean King Trophy.
Sabalenka Battles Past Anisimova in a Three-Set Thriller
Aryna Sabalenka showed grit and determination to defeat Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a high-intensity semifinal on Friday, setting up the WTA Finals 2025 Sabalenka vs Rybakina clash. The Belarusian star, chasing her first WTA Finals title, displayed her trademark aggression and powerful baseline hitting to overcome the American in just over two hours.
The match began with both players trading strong serves and heavy groundstrokes. Sabalenka took control late in the first set, breaking Anisimova to lead 5-3 before sealing the opener with a series of dominant forehands. Her ability to stay composed under pressure helped her save five break points earlier in the set, preparing her perfectly for WTA Finals 2025 Sabalenka vs Rybakina.
However, Anisimova fought back strongly in the second. The 23-year-old American raced to a 4-0 lead, capitalizing on Sabalenka’s few loose shots and controlling the rallies with deep, accurate returns. Despite Sabalenka’s late push, Anisimova held firm to level the match at one set all, testing Sabalenka’s resolve before the WTA Finals 2025 Sabalenka vs Rybakina final.
In the deciding set, Sabalenka’s serve proved to be her biggest weapon. She fired a series of aces to hold serve at 3-3 before breaking Anisimova with a thunderous backhand winner. The top seed then held her nerve during a tense final game to clinch victory and advance to her ninth final of the season, sealing her place in WTA Finals 2025 Sabalenka vs Rybakina.
Reflecting on the win, Sabalenka said, “It was an incredible fight. Amanda always pushes me to play my best tennis. Honestly, I wouldn’t have cared if I lost today because we both played amazing tennis. I’m just super happy to reach the final.”
Sabalenka, who lost the 2022 WTA Finals final, now has a chance to go one better. She also holds an 8-5 head-to-head lead over Rybakina, including a memorable win in the 2023 Australian Open final — adding more intrigue to WTA Finals 2025 Sabalenka vs Rybakina.
Rybakina Maintains Perfect Record with Comeback Win
Earlier in the day, Elena Rybakina powered into the final after coming from behind to beat American Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, ensuring the much-anticipated WTA Finals 2025 Sabalenka vs Rybakina matchup. The Kazakh star showed tremendous resilience and precision, firing 15 aces to keep her perfect record intact at the King Saud University Sports Arena.
The match began on a shaky note for Rybakina, who appeared to be struggling with a shoulder issue from her warm-up session. Pegula, last year’s runner-up, took advantage by breaking early and maintaining control with deep, consistent rallies. She wrapped up the opening set after Rybakina’s 25th unforced error, delaying the potential WTA Finals 2025 Sabalenka vs Rybakina showdown.
But Rybakina regrouped brilliantly in the second set. She improved her accuracy, reduced the errors, and used her powerful serve to dominate shorter rallies. Pegula tried to claw back but was broken at a crucial moment in the 10th game, allowing Rybakina to level the match and move closer to WTA Finals 2025 Sabalenka vs Rybakina.
The deciding set turned into a test of nerves and stamina. Both players exchanged early breaks, but it was Rybakina who showed greater focus under pressure. A forehand error from Pegula at 4-3 gave Rybakina the decisive break, and she sealed the victory in the next game with a booming serve to confirm WTA Finals 2025 Sabalenka vs Rybakina as the title clash.
“It was such a tough battle,” Rybakina said afterward. “I’m glad I managed to find my way through in the second set and win it in three. My serve really helped me in key moments, and I tried to stay focused point by point.”
With this win, Rybakina remains unbeaten throughout the tournament and heads into WTA Finals 2025 Sabalenka vs Rybakina full of confidence.
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source: Reuters
