Follow us on Google Discover Aryna Sabalenka fought through in a deciding set to secure her place in the WTA Finals championship match.
In another thrilling encounter, Sabalenka got the better of Anisimova, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, in the semifinals of the 2025 WTA Finals.
Both players gave it their all, but in a repeat of the US Open final, it was Sabalenka who emerged victorious.
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Sabalenka now trails by just one win in the head-to-head with Anisimova, 5-6.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Sabalenka gave her verdict on Anisimova’s game.
Aryna Sabalenka says Amanda Anisimova played ‘incredible tennis’ throughout the match
The world number one was full of praise for her American opponent.
“That was a fight,” said Sabalenka.
“She played incredible tennis. I have to say I felt that was incredible tennis from both players.
“In the second set, at some points, I was thinking there was nothing I could do. She was going for her shots, playing incredible tennis.
“At some point, I just told myself, come on, Aryna, enjoy the fight, enjoy this moment. This is everything you have been working for and the very last push of the season. Just enjoy it and don’t get overstressed.
“I think that mentality really helped me in the third set.”
Sabalenka then revealed whether she had devised a game plan for her 11th career meeting with Anisimova.
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“With that ball, there is not much you can do; you have to block and put it back on her, and then the game turns into who is going to shake,” she said.
“Whenever I had an opportunity, I was trying to play with more spin and more touch, but against Amanda [Anisimova], there are not many opportunities.”
She was also asked if she believes players raise their game against her because she’s the world number one.
“I think so,” said Sabalenka.
“It feels like they have nothing to lose at some points. I actually enjoy it because they are making me a better player.
“They push me to the limit, and this is how I grow and become a better player and person.”
Finishing off the interview, Sabalenka looked ahead to the final, where she’ll take on Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina.
‘I am ready to fight’ – Aryna Sabalenka on final vs Elena Rybakina
The Belarusian is prepared to give it her all in the final match of her 2025 WTA Tour campaign.
“The last match of the season. I am ready to bring everything I have,” said Sabalenka.
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“I am ready to fight and to do everything I can.
“I really hope I can finish this season very well now.”
Sabalenka and Rybakina have met several times so far in their careers, as the former leads their head-to-head, 8-5.
MatchWinnerLoserScore2025 Wuhan Open – QFAryna SabalenkaElena Rybakina6-3, 6-32025 Cincinnati Open – QFElena RybakinaAryna Sabalenka6-1, 6-42025 Berlin Open – QFAryna SabalenkaElena Rybakina7-6, 3-6, 7-62024 WTA Finals – RRElena RybakinaAryna Sabalenka6-4, 3-6, 6-12024 Madrid Open – SFAryna SabalenkaElena Rybakina1-6, 7-5, 7-62024 Brisbane International – FElena RybakinaAryna Sabalenka6-0, 6-32023 WTA Finals – RRAryna SabalenkaElena Rybakina6-2, 3-6, 6-32023 China Open – QFElena RybakinaAryna Sabalenka7-5, 6-22023 Indian Wells – FElena RybakinaAryna Sabalenka7-6, 6-42023 Australian Open – FAryna SabalenkaElena Rybakina4-6, 6-3, 6-42021 Wimbledon – 4RAryna SabalenkaElena Rybakina6-3, 4-6, 6-32021 Abu Dhabi Open – QFAryna SabalenkaElena Rybakina6-4, 4-6, 6-32019 Wuhan Open – QFAryna SabalenkaElena Rybakina6-3, 1-6, 6-1Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina’s head-to-head record
If their head-to-head is anything to go by, Saturday’s final could well be a classic, as Rybakina and Sabalenka have required a deciding set in eight of their 13 meetings.
Their last match was won in straight sets; however, just a month ago in Wuhan, when Sabalenka dismantled the Kazakh 6-3, 6-3.
Sabalenka will be hoping for a similar result this time around, as she searches for her maiden WTA Finals title.
The final of the 2025 WTA Finals will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, November 8.