Anisimova outplays Swiatek to reach WTA Finals semifinals
After 2 hours and 36 minutes—the longest match of the week—Amanda Anisimova defeated Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals, securing a semifinal spot against Elena Rybakina.
Match context and significance
At the King Saud University Indoor Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the WTA Finals round-robin matches can involve complex scenarios with tiebreakers and calculations. However, this time, the outcome was simple: No. 6 Elena Rybakina had already secured the Serena Williams Group’s first semifinal berth and top seed following her 6-4, 6-4 win over alternate Ekaterina Alexandrova, leaving only this match to decide the final semifinalist.
Match summary
In what was arguably the tournament’s most competitive stroke-for-stroke match so far, Anisimova earned a 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2 victory over Swiatek to advance.
Anisimova's reflections
"No, I don’t think I was surprised or shocked at any point in the match. I knew it was going to be really tough, and I was preparing for that. Yeah, I think I just tried to enjoy it."
"I feel like I belong at this point and I’ve played a lot of tough matches this year. And I know if I can play my best tennis, I can give it my best shot."
Before the tournament, Anisimova had been asked if she had surprised herself this season, highlighting her steady growth and confidence.
Upcoming semifinal
Anisimova will face Elena Rybakina next in the semifinals after this pivotal win.
Summary: Amanda Anisimova secured her semifinal place at the WTA Finals with a tough 3-set win over Iga Swiatek, demonstrating resilience and confidence ahead of her match against Elena Rybakina.