Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are set to clash in a blockbuster WTA Finals championship match after both came through thrilling three-set semi-finals in Riyadh. The two top performers of the tournament will now battle for the prestigious year-end title after displaying immense power, composure, and fighting spirit throughout the event.
World No. 1 Sabalenka overcame a spirited challenge from Amanda Anisimova, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in an intense, high-quality encounter. The Belarusian was made to work for every point as Anisimova’s aggressive shot-making kept her under pressure. However, Sabalenka’s ability to stay composed and defend effectively at crucial moments proved decisive. Rather than trying to simply outhit her opponent, she showcased maturity in constructing points intelligently and countering Anisimova’s pace with controlled aggression. The victory marks Sabalenka’s second appearance in a WTA Finals title match as she aims to cap one of the best seasons of her career with a long-awaited triumph.
In the other semi-final, Rybakina continued her dominant run by defeating Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a bruising battle. Despite struggling early on and dealing with a bandaged right shoulder, the Kazakhstani star recovered strongly, producing a barrage of aces and clean winners to turn the match around. Pegula’s relentless consistency initially forced errors from Rybakina, but once she found her rhythm, the power and precision of her groundstrokes proved too much to handle. Rybakina ended the match with 15 aces, maintaining her unbeaten record at the tournament.
Both finalists have displayed exceptional form throughout the week, each winning all four of their matches en route to the final. Their showdown promises to be a fascinating contrast of styles and mental toughness, with Sabalenka’s explosive athleticism and tactical evolution meeting Rybakina’s effortless power and composure.
Meanwhile, in men’s tennis, Novak Djokovic advanced to the final of the Hellenic Championship in Athens with a straight-sets victory over Yannick Hanfmann. The Serb will face Lorenzo Musetti in the final before heading to the ATP Finals. Elsewhere, Cameron Norrie reached the Moselle Open final in Metz, setting up a title clash with rising American star Learner Tien.
