Few players (men or women) hit the ball harder than Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova. If a tennis fan wanted to watch a match of power forehands, striking backhands, and huge servers, one need look no further than the semifinal match of the 2026 WTA Finals between the two players.
After Sabalenka got a break in the first set, she might have appeared to be well on her way to her first final of the year-end event. But those who have watched Anisimova in 2025 know better. The American doesn't tend to go away easily, the final of Wimbledon aside.
Anisimova forces a player to beat her. Meanwhile, Sabalenka is No. 1 for a reason. She might not win every tournament she enters, but she seemingly makes deep runs at most of them. She is consistent, just as her power is. That will keep her in matches she might not otherwise be in.
Aryna Sabalenka dispatches Amanda Anisimova at the WTA Finals
The same holds for Anisimova, however. After a career-defining season, the American will finish at No. 4, her highest year-end ranking. She is going to be a force for years to come, barring injury.
One of the players she will have to battle with, however, is Sabalenka. The Belarusian will become the first back-to-back year-end No. 1 in a non-COVID year in a decade. Even Iga Swiatek could not accomplish that. Sabalenka is indisputably the best overall player on the WTA tour.
Against Anisimova, Sabalenka saved all five break points she faced in the first set. The guile and poise she carries are part of what makes her a champion. Meanwhile, she got two breaks off the American.
The second set did a complete turn, however. Anisimova took advantage of nearly all of the first serves she landed, but also broke the WTA No. 1 several times. She might have had momentum going into the final set, but the truth is neither player gives in easily.
While Anisimova landed an astounding 74 percent of her first serves in the third set, Sabalenka raised her return game, getting two breaks to win the match 6-3 3-6 6-3. She will be a tough out in the final, too.
There she will play Elena Rybakina on Saturday. Neither Sabalenka nor Rybakina has lost a match at the WTA Finals. While the Belarusian leads the all-time head-to-head 8-5, the players have alternated winning over their last eight matches. If that form holds, Elena Rybakina will win the final. Sabalenka won the last time they played.