WTA Finals: Aryna Sabalenka overtakes Amanda Anisimova for title clash against Elena Rybakina | Tennis news

World number 1 Aryna Sabalenka beat Amanda Anisimova 6-3 3-6 6-3 in a gladiatorial battle of big hitters on Friday to book a WTA Finals title showdown with Elena Rybakina.

After grueling early rallies, the rematch of September’s US Open final swung in favor of Sabalenka who took a 5-3 lead, then stepped up her aggression from the baseline to win the first set in an hour.

The New York champion, who had saved five break points earlier, found herself trailing in the second set when Anisimova won the first four games and it was only a matter of time before the match turned into a decider.

Sabalenka hit a flurry of aces to hold the score at 3-3 in the third set and took the decisive break in the next game with a huge backhand winner, before surviving a few nervy moments at the end to overcome her American opponent and set up a clash with the powerful Rybakina, live. Aerial sports SATURDAY.

Rybakina topples Pegula, reserves Sabalenka showdown

Earlier on Friday, Elena Rybakina came back from a set down to dismantle Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-4 6-3 and advance to the WTA Finals title to attempt her first season-ending crown.

Pegula increased the intensity after an early exchange of breaks in the first set, as the 2023 finalist took a 4-2 lead when Rybakina appeared to struggle with precision due to a shoulder problem suffered during her warm-up a day earlier.

“It was a very tough battle. It’s always tough to play against Jessica and she started pretty well,” Rybakina said.

“It was very fast, she broke me and it was not easy to come back. I’m glad I managed to fight my way into the second and win it in a three-set battle.”

Pegula, 31, quickly closed out the first stanza thanks to Rybakina’s 25th unforced error, but there was a sudden change in momentum in the next set as she found herself 1-4 behind and in danger of being trailed the distance.

Pegula found his rhythm and pushed hard to try to tie the set, but Rybakina responded fiercely in the 10th game to force a deciding match, where the two men traded breaks again in a close battle.

A forehand into the net from Pegula late in the eighth game restored the lead to Rybakina, who remained calm to hold the next shot and secure the victory that maintained her perfect record in the season finale.

“My serve helped me when I needed it,” said Rybakina, who hit 15 aces.

“I was trying to stay focused on each point when we had difficult rallies. In the end, I managed to push myself a little more.”

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