Amanda Anisimova battles past Iga Swiatek in a three-set thriller to secure her WTA Finals semi-final spot in Riyadh with impressive comeback victory.
AMANDA Anisimova staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Iga Swiatek 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 6-2 and secure her place in the WTA Finals semi-finals on Wednesday.
The fourth-seeded American, making her tournament debut, claimed the runner-up position in the Serena Williams Group behind Elena Rybakina.
Anisimova improved her impressive three-set record this season to 15-3 while notching her 10th top-10 victory of the year.
“It’s so funny, my mom keeps telling me: ‘You know you’ve won like so many three-set matches this year? You’re so strong’. I was actually thinking about that. Against Iga today it was so, so tough, but honestly, I enjoyed it,” said Anisimova.
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The 2025 Wimbledon and US Open finalist added she was “just going for my game more today” compared to previous matches.
Swiatek had saved all four break points faced before clinching the opening set tiebreak in 65 minutes at King Saud University Indoor Arena.
Anisimova finally converted a break point in the 10th game of the second set to level the match and force a decider.
The American broke Swiatek’s serve in the fourth game of the final set, capitalising on a double fault from the Polish star.
Another break sealed Anisimova’s victory over the six-time Grand Slam champion after two hours and 36 minutes.
This marked the first time in Swiatek’s career she has suffered consecutive losses after winning the opening set.
“I’m so excited (to be in the semi-finals), this is surreal, especially for my first time playing here,” Anisimova said.
Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina completed round-robin play with a perfect 3-0 record after defeating Russian alternate Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 6-4.
The Kazakh world number six fired eight aces and saved five of six break points during her 73-minute victory.
Rybakina extended her winning streak to nine consecutive matches dating back to October 16.
“Ekaterina is always a tough opponent and has a big serve. I’m happy I was able to win in straight sets,” said Rybakina, who played with taping on her shoulder.
Alexandrova replaced American Madison Keys, who withdrew due to a viral illness.
The Australian Open champion had already been eliminated from semi-final contention after losses to Swiatek and Anisimova earlier in the week.
Russian alternate Mirra Andreeva elected not to sign in due to fitness concerns but remains available for doubles competition.
Thursday will see the conclusion of the Stefanie Graf Group matches, with top seed Aryna Sabalenka facing defending champion Coco Gauff.
American Jessica Pegula is scheduled to play Jasmine Paolini, though the Italian has reported feeling unwell. – AFP
