RIYADH — In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the 2024 WTA Finals, Amanda Anisimova mounted a ferocious comeback to dethrone world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, booking her place in the semifinals where she will join the undefeated Elena Rybakina. The American, playing with fearless aggression and unwavering resolve, overturned a one-set deficit to win 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a match that will be remembered as one of the finest in her career.
The victory not only marks a monumental personal achievement for Anisimova but also dramatically reshapes the tournament landscape. Swiatek, the reigning champion and heavy favorite, is now eliminated from the competition, while Anisimova advances from the round-robin stage in second place behind Rybakina, who secured her semifinal berth earlier in the week with a perfect 3-0 record.
A Rocky Start and a Resolute Response
From the outset, it appeared business as usual for Swiatek. The Polish star, known for her dominant starts, raced through the first set with her characteristic blend of heavy topspin forehands and relentless court coverage. She broke Anisimova’s serve twice, capitalizing on early nerves from the American. Anisimova struggled to find her range, with unforced errors flowing from her racquet as Swiatek efficiently closed out the set 6-2 in just over half an hour.
However, the second set revealed a different Anisimova. Shedding the tension that had plagued her initial performance, she began to unleash the formidable power that has long been her trademark. Her backhand, one of the cleanest strikes in the women's game, became a weapon of mass destruction, firing winners down the line and cross-court with breathtaking precision. A crucial break of serve in the seventh game of the second set shifted the momentum irrevocably, and Anisimova served out the set to force a decider, electrifying the Riyadh crowd.
Reflecting on the match's turning point, Anisimova stated in her post-match press conference, "After the first set, I just told myself to go for my shots. There's nothing to lose. Iga is the best in the world, so I had to raise my level and be aggressive. I started trusting my game and everything just clicked."
The Rybakina Juggernaut Rolls On
While Anisimova’s path was fraught with drama, Elena Rybakina’s journey to the final four has been one of commanding authority. The Wimbledon champion finished the group stage without dropping a set, showcasing a brand of tennis that makes her the undeniable title favorite. Her powerful serve and first-strike tennis have proven nearly unplayable on the fast indoor courts of the Kingdom Arena. Her final round-robin victory was a comprehensive 6-3, 6-2 dismissal of a fatigued Coco Gauff.
Rybakina’s dominance in Riyadh is a continuation of her stellar late-season form. Her game is built on a foundation of immense power and unflappable calm, a combination that has overwhelmed every opponent she has faced. When asked about her undefeated run and her potent serve, Rybakina was characteristically modest, "I'm feeling good on the court. I'm serving well and moving better with each match. The conditions here suit my game."
Her statistics through the group stage are a testament to her form:
- Undefeated record: 3 wins, 0 losses.
- Sets won: 6; Sets lost: 0.
- Aces led: Topping the tournament with 32 aces so far.
- Break points saved: An impressive 80% conversion rate on saving break points against her.
Swiatek's Surprising Exit and the Shifting Landscape
For Iga Swiatek, the early departure from the season-ending championships is a significant disappointment. Having dominated the tour for large parts of the year, her loss to Anisimova underscores the unpredictable nature of the WTA Finals format, where every match carries immense weight. The pressure of defending her title and maintaining her No. 1 ranking seemed to mount as Anisimova’s level soared in the final two sets.
Swiatek was gracious in defeat, acknowledging her opponent's superior play in the crucial moments. "Amanda played amazing tennis in the second and third sets. She took risks and they paid off. It's frustrating, of course, but sometimes you have to accept that the other player was just better on the day. I gave it my all, but it wasn't enough."
The Other Semifinalists Emerge
Completing the final four are two other players who navigated the intense round-robin pressure. In the other group, Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur secured the top spot with a series of tactically brilliant performances, using her signature drop shots and variety to keep her opponents off-balance. She will face Amanda Anisimova in one semifinal. The fourth and final spot was claimed by a resurgent Naomi Osaka, who edged out Maria Sakkari in a tense three-set battle to set up a blockbuster clash with Elena Rybakina.
The semifinal lineup promises explosive matchups:
- [1] Elena Rybakina vs. [4] Naomi Osaka
- [2] Ons Jabeur vs. [3] Amanda Anisimova
A Resurgent Anisimova Finds Her Footing
For Amanda Anisimova, this run to the semifinals represents more than just a deep push in a prestigious tournament; it is a triumphant return to the sport's highest echelon. After taking an extended break from tennis earlier in the year for mental health reasons, her comeback has been one of the compelling stories of the second half of the season. The victory over Swiatek is her first over a world No. 1 and her biggest win since her return to the tour.
The emotional weight of the moment was not lost on her. Fighting back tears during her on-court interview, Anisimova shared, "This means so much. It's been a difficult journey to get back here. To beat the best player in the world on this stage... I'm just so proud of myself for fighting through everything."
Her coach, who has been instrumental in her return, highlighted the mental transformation. "The key for Amanda was to rediscover the joy of competition. We focused on the process, not the outcome. Today, you saw a player who was free, who was brave, and who believed in herself completely."
Conclusion: A Clash of Titans Awaits
The stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh. The semifinals present a fascinating contrast in styles and narratives. In one corner, the undefeated powerhouse Elena Rybakina faces the Grand Slam pedigree of Naomi Osaka. In the other, the craft and guile of Ons Jabeur will test the red-hot confidence of the resurgent Amanda Anisimova.
Anisimova’s stunning victory has blown the tournament wide open, proving that on any given day, any player in the final four can claim the title. Yet, Rybakina remains the formidable obstacle, a player in sublime form who has yet to be truly challenged. As the competition moves to the knockout stage, one thing is certain: the battle for the final WTA crown of the season will be a spectacle of the highest quality, a fitting finale to a year of incredible women's tennis.