RIYADH — In a titanic struggle that pushed both players to their absolute limits, Aryna Sabalenka clawed her way past a resurgent Amanda Anisimova 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 in a breathtaking semi-final at the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh. The match, which lasted two hours and 53 minutes, was a masterclass in power and resilience, setting up a blockbuster championship decider against Elena Rybakina.
From the first ball struck, it was evident this would be no ordinary contest. Anisimova, who has mounted a remarkable comeback to the sport after a mental health break, came out swinging with fearless aggression, matching Sabalenka’s legendary firepower shot for shot. The American’s clean, flat groundstrokes and impeccable timing kept the world No. 2 on the back foot for large portions of the match, creating an electric atmosphere inside the Kingdom Arena.
Sabalenka, known for her dominant serve and crushing forehand, was forced to dig deeper than perhaps at any other point in her season. She faced a staggering 18 break points throughout the match, saving 14 of them in displays of sheer will and clutch serving. The Belarusian later admitted that the intensity of the battle was exactly what she needed ahead of the final, stating, "Winning an incredible match like this will be great preparation for facing Elena."
A Battle of Nerves and Power
The first set was a brutal affair, with both players holding serve with relative ease until the crucial 11th game. With Anisimova serving at 5-5, Sabalenka managed to elevate her game, unleashing a series of devastating returns to secure the break before calmly serving out the set. It was a testament to her ability to seize the moment, a skill that has become a hallmark of her game at the top level.
Undeterred by losing the opener, Anisimova responded with characteristic fortitude. She continued to apply pressure on the Sabalenka serve, and her persistence paid off with a break in the third game of the second set. This time, it was the American who demonstrated her big-match temperament, fending off break-back points and leveling the match at one set apiece. The momentum had decisively shifted, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
The Decisive Third Set: A Rollercoaster
The final set was a microcosm of the entire match: a whirlwind of momentum swings, breathtaking winners, and nerve-shredding tension. Anisimova carried her momentum forward, breaking Sabalenka’s serve early to take a commanding 3-1 lead. For a moment, it seemed the upset was imminent. Yet, as champions do, Sabalenka found a way back, breaking back immediately to level the set at 3-3.
The contest remained on a knife-edge, with both women holding serve under immense pressure. The quality of tennis was scintillating, drawing gasps and roars from the captivated audience. The match’s final, decisive twist came with Anisimova serving at 5-6. Facing the pressure of the scoreboard, the American finally faltered, and Sabalenka pounced, converting her third match point to seal a monumental victory.
In her post-match press conference, a relieved and exhilarated Sabalenka was effusive in her praise for her opponent. "That was an incredible match," she stated. "Amanda is an incredible player and she’s such a fighter. I’m just super happy that I was able to get this win. This match was another level."
Keys to the Victory: A Statistical Glance
While the match was incredibly close, a few key statistics ultimately tilted the balance in Sabalenka's favor. Her ability to save break points was the cornerstone of her win. Furthermore, she managed to be more clinical on her own opportunities, converting three of her five break chances compared to Anisimova's four from 18.
- Aces: Sabalenka 9, Anisimova 6
- Break Points Saved: Sabalenka 14/18, Anisimova 2/5
- Winners: Sabalenka 38, Anisimova 35
- Unforced Errors: Sabalenka 42, Anisimova 39
The narrow margins in winners and unforced errors highlight just how evenly matched the two were on the day. It was a contest decided not by a gulf in quality, but by mental fortitude in the most critical moments.
Anisimova's Triumphant Return to the Top
Beyond the result, the match served as a powerful statement on Amanda Anisimova’s return to the upper echelons of the sport. After stepping away from the tour to prioritize her mental wellbeing, her performance in Riyadh proved she belongs with the very best. Her powerful, fluid game caused the Australian Open champion significant problems, and her journey back to this stage has been one of the most compelling stories of the season.
Reflecting on her week, Anisimova said, "I’m really proud of myself. It’s been an incredible week for me. Of course, it’s tough to lose a match like that, but I gave it my all. Aryna just played a little better in the important points. I’m just happy to be competing at this level again and I’m excited for the future."
The Stage is Set: Sabalenka vs. Rybakina
The victory books Sabalenka a place in the final against Elena Rybakina, who comfortably defeated Maria Sakkari in the other semi-final. The championship match promises to be a clash of titans, a rivalry that has become one of the most compelling on the WTA Tour. Both players possess some of the most formidable serves and destructive groundstrokes in the women's game.
Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 7-5, but Rybakina has won their last two encounters, including a straight-sets victory in the final of Brisbane earlier this year. Sabalenka acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "It’s always a great battle against Elena. I have to be at my absolute best."
The grueling nature of her semi-final win, however, could be a double-edged sword. While it provides a stern test of her resilience, the physical and emotional toll of a nearly three-hour war of attrition is significant. Rybakina, by contrast, enjoyed a more straightforward path and will be the fresher player. Sabalenka will need to recover quickly to have her best chance at claiming the prestigious WTA Finals trophy.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
In the end, the semi-final between Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova was more than just a match; it was a showcase of everything that makes professional tennis thrilling. It had power, precision, dramatic momentum shifts, and, above all, immense heart from both competitors. Sabalenka’s victory sets up a dream final against Rybakina, ensuring the 2024 WTA Finals will conclude with a bang. For Anisimova, the performance in Riyadh signals that she is well and truly back, and a force to be reckoned with in the seasons to come.