Amanda Anisimova secured her spot in the WTA Finals 2025 semi-finals with a dramatic three-set victory over Iga Swiatek, joining an in-form Elena Rybakina in the knockout stage of the season-ending tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The American, making her WTA Finals debut, overcame the world number two 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 6-2 in a winner-takes-all match, displaying grit and tactical precision to advance from the Serena Williams Group.

Earlier in the day, Rybakina, who is now on a nine-match winning streak, defeated late replacement Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4 6-4 to complete a clean sweep of her group with a 3-0 record.

🎾 Anisimova Turns the Tables on Swiatek

The matchup marked the third meeting between Swiatek and Anisimova in 2025, a rivalry that has developed throughout the season. After Swiatek delivered a stunning 6-0 6-0 win at Wimbledon, Anisimova leveled the score with a victory in the US Open quarter-finals before edging their Riyadh showdown.

Despite losing a tight first set in a tiebreak, Anisimova showed resilience, saving multiple break points in key moments and turning the match around with fearless baseline play.

“I try to enjoy the fight, and I think I really embraced that today,” said the 24-year-old American after her win.

✅ Rybakina Dominates Group Stage

Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, cruised into the semi-finals with a perfect group stage record, dropping just one set in her three matches. With Madison Keys withdrawing due to illness, Alexandrova subbed in last-minute but couldn’t halt Rybakina’s power game.

“Each win gives you confidence,” said Rybakina, who is through to the WTA Finals semis for the first time in three attempts.

🏆 What’s Next at the 2025 WTA Finals?

With £12m ($15.5m) in prize money at stake, the top eight women in singles and doubles are battling for one of tennis’ biggest paydays.

In the Stefanie Graf Group, world number one Aryna Sabalenka faces defending champion Coco Gauff, while Jessica Pegula meets Jasmine Paolini, who has already been eliminated.

In doubles, Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens joined Hsieh Su-Wei and Jelena Ostapenko in the semi-finals from the Martina Navratilova Group.