World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka had to dig deep to overcome fourth-seeded Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a high-octane semi-final at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
The Belarusian four-time major winner roared her way to a championship showdown with Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, who battled past fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 earlier at King Saud University Indoor Arena.
Sabalenka clocked 12 aces and saved six of nine break points to book her place in the final for a second time in five appearances at the season-ending championships.
“She always pushes me to play my best tennis,” said Sabalenka, who gave Anisimova a warm embrace at the net after the match.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t care if I would lose this match because we both played an incredible match and we both deserve to be in the final.
“I’m super happy to get the win. I told Amanda that she should be proud of her season, she played incredible tennis the whole season, but it’s just the beginning for her. There are many good things coming her way for sure.”
Both undefeated through four matches so far this week in the Saudi capital, Sabalenka and Rybakina have a chance of earning a record $5.235 million with a victory in Saturday’s final.
Rybakina claimed a 10th consecutive win on Friday by defeating Pegula to reach the
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