World number one Aryna Sabalenka said winning an “incredible” semi-final against Amanda Anisimova at the WTA Finals will be “great preparation” for facing Elena Rybakina in Saturday’s final in Riyadh.
The 27-year-old Belarusian beat American Anisimova 6-3 3-6 6-3 in a last-four match packed with quality and intensity throughout its two hours and 21 minutes.
“She [Anisimova] is always pushing me to play my best tennis and, honestly, I wouldn’t care if I had lost this match because we played an incredible match and we both deserved a place in the final,” said Sabalenka.
“It was an incredible fight and I’m super happy to get the win.”
Kazakhstan’s Rybakina came from a set down to defeat American Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-4 6-3 in the other semi-final.
“It’s going to be another powerful game and I feel like today was great preparation for [facing] Elena,” added Sabalenka.
“I’m looking forward to leaving everything I have in the last match of the season and fighting for this beautiful trophy.”
Sabalenka wins three-set epic
Anisimova went into the match having won six of their previous 10 meetings, though they have met at each of the past three Grand Slams and Sabalenka edged that particular head-to-head two wins to one.
