Anisimova tops Keys in three sets; to face Swiatek for WTA Finals semifinal spot
Amanda Anisimova recovered from an opening loss to defeat fellow American Madison Keys in a three-set match, setting up a decisive encounter with Iga Swiatek for a place in the WTA Finals semifinals in Riyadh.
Both players have been among the season’s standout stories. Fourth seed Amanda Anisimova, returning from a long hiatus, reached her first major final at Wimbledon and repeated the feat at the US Open. Seventh seed Madison Keys, nearing her 30th birthday, celebrated her first Grand Slam triumph at the Australian Open. Their impressive runs carried both Americans into the Top 5 for the first time.
On Monday night, in their first professional matchup, Anisimova overcame Keys 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to maintain her chances of advancing, while Keys exited the tournament with an 0-2 group record.
In the Serena Williams Group, Elena Rybakina, the sixth seed, came back to defeat second seed Iga Swiatek 3-6, 6-1, 6-0. With two group matches completed, Rybakina (2-0) advanced as group winner. Anisimova (1-1) and Swiatek (1-1) will compete Wednesday for the second semifinal spot.
“That was a collective decision,” said Keys’ coach and husband, Bjorn Fratangelo, after they returned to practice immediately following her opening loss to Swiatek.
Author’s summary:
Anisimova outlasted Keys in three sets at the WTA Finals, earning a decisive clash with Swiatek as Rybakina secured her semifinal berth.