Tumaini Carayol's report
Summary
Aryna Sabalenka overcame Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a gladiatorial battle between big-hitters on Friday to book a WTA Finals title showdown with Elena Rybakina.
After gruelling early exchanges, the rematch of September’s US Open final swung in favour of Sabalenka as she surged to a 5-3 lead, then turned up the aggression from the baseline to take the opening set in an hour.
The world No 1 found herself on the back foot in the second set when Anisimova reeled off the opening four games, before holding off Sabalenka’s fightback to set up a decider.
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 defeat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, reaching the final with a perfect record. Pegula took the first set as Rybakina appeared to struggle with a shoulder issue. She hit back early in the second set, taking a 4-1 lead.
After setting up a decider, Rybakina moved ahead in the eighth game of the third set before wrapping up victory. The winner of Saturday’s final in Riyadh will claim their first WTA Finals title. Reuters
