The WTA Finals in Riyadh showcased an exhilarating showdown between Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova. This encounter, teeming with intensity, lasted nearly two and a half hours, culminating in a thrilling three-set match that saw Anisimova emerge victorious with a scoreline of 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2. With this win, the American, who is the fourth seed, secured her progression into the semi-finals alongside Elena Rybakina, demonstrating her potential to claim her first title at this prestigious season-ending event.
Reflecting on her performance, Anisimova expressed satisfaction with her ability to maintain composure and limit errors in the latter stages of the match. “I made less errors in the second and third sets. I was trying to play higher percentage tennis. Just keep going for it,” she stated post-match. This victory marked a significant turnaround, as Swiatek had previously swept Anisimova in a straight-set finals match at Wimbledon earlier this year, only for Anisimova to exact her revenge in the US Open quarter-finals.
When asked if she was surprised by her success against Swiatek, Anisimova replied firmly, “No, I don’t think I was surprised or shocked at any point in the match.” She credited her preparation and recent experiences in tough matches for her confidence, stating that her recent performances had solidified her belief that she belongs among the elite in women’s tennis.
The match was a stark contrast from Swiatek’s previous triumphs, as it marked the first instance in her career where she has lost consecutive matches after winning the opening set. The Polish player acknowledged her disappointment, stating, “Honestly, I did everything I could today… it wasn’t enough, which makes me sad.” Swiatek reflected on her experience this year at the WTA Finals, alluding to a sense of puzzlement over her early exit.
Throughout the contest, the players exhibited remarkable resilience, with the first 23 games going without a break of serve. Swiatek eventually took the lead by winning the first set in a tiebreaker but faced a fierce response from Anisimova, who dominated the second set with powerful forehands, ultimately maintaining her momentum into the decisive third set.
In another match on the same day, Elena Rybakina further solidified her strong showing at the WTA Finals, defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova in a straight-sets victory. Rybakina had already secured her place in the semi-finals prior to this match and exhibited her prowess against the debutant Alexandrova, winning 6-4, 6-4.
Rybakina’s performance was impressive, even as she faced challenges from Alexandrova, who pushed her hard throughout the encounter. Afterward, Rybakina commented on her focus and determination to continue her winning streak, emphasizing her desire to keep the momentum alive as she looks ahead to the semi-finals.
The narrative of the tournament continued to unfold as Amanda Anisimova and Elena Rybakina awaited the outcomes of the final round-robin matches in the Stefanie Graf Group, where top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and defending champion Coco Gauff were scheduled to compete for a spot in the semi-finals. Notably, Jessica Pegula was also in contention, facing off against Jasmine Paolini, who can no longer advance.
The WTA Finals have proven to be a stage for thrilling encounters and have set the stage for an exciting finish as players strive for glory at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
