Dominant Sabalenka meets dangerous Anisimova in a high-stakes semifinal clash in Riyadh
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is set to take on world No. 4 Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals of the WTA Finals 2025. This matchup pits the tournament’s most dominant player against one of the season’s most resilient contenders. Sabalenka has been flawless so far, going 3-0 with commanding wins over Jasmine Paolini, Jessica Pegula, and Coco Gauff. Anisimova has carved out a 2-1 record, defeating Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys, although she was defeated by Elena Rybakina.
Sabalenka’s season has been nothing short of elite. The Belarusian reached eight finals and captured titles in Brisbane, Miami, Madrid, and at the US Open and was runner-up in Melbourne, Indian Wells, Stuttgart, and Roland Garros. Her 71-week reign at No. 1 reflects sustained consistency, supported by a deadly serve and baseline pressure. Across 71 matches, she has fired 267 aces, won 68.6% of first-serve points, and converted 47.7% of break points. Aside from brief early exits in Doha and Dubai, she has maintained a high level across all surfaces.
Anisimova has delivered a season defined by both impressive highs and disruptive injuries. She reached finals in the US Open, London, Wimbledon, Doha, and Beijing. She also produced several deep runs but was forced to withdraw from Singapore and Wuhan due to calf and minor injuries. Back issues led to mid-match retirements in Hobart, Charleston, and Paris (125K). Even so, her statistical output remains strong. She has struck 206 aces in 59 matches, won 66.1% of her first serves, claimed 45.6% of return points, and converted 45.3% of break points.
Amanda Anisimova leads Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 in their head-to-head. They first met at the 2019 Australian Open, where Anisimova won in straight sets, and she built early dominance by winning three more times in the seasons that followed. Sabalenka finally broke through in 2022 in Rome, earning her first victory in the rivalry with a gritty comeback. Since then, their battles have grown more balanced. This season, Sabalenka claimed wins at Roland Garros and the US Open, while Anisimova struck back at Wimbledon.
| Year | Event | Round | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | US Open | Final | Aryna Sabalenka | 6-3, 7-6(7) |
| 2025 | Wimbledon | Semifinals | Amanda Anisimova | 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 |
| 2025 | Roland Garros | Round of 16 | Aryna Sabalenka | 7-5, 6-3 |
| 2024 | Toronto | Quarterfinals | Amanda Anisimova | 6-4, 6-2 |
| 2024 | Australian Open | Round of 16 | Aryna Sabalenka | 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2022 | Rome | Quarterfinals | Aryna Sabalenka | 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2022 | Madrid | Round of 64 | Amanda Anisimova | 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 |
| 2022 | Charleston | Round of 16 | Amanda Anisimova | 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 |
| 2019 | Roland Garros | Round of 64 | Amanda Anisimova | 6-4, 6-2 |
| 2019 | Australian Open | Round of 32 | Amanda Anisimova | 6-3, 6-2 |
| Aryna Sabalenka | Category | Amanda Anisimova |
| 1 | Current Ranking | 4 |
| 475-199 | Career W-L | 206-114 |
| 59-11 | YTD W-L | 45-16 |
| 21 | Career Titles | 4 |
| 4 | Grand Slams | 0 |
| 4 | YTD Titles | 2 |
Sabalenka has been relentless all year, piling up finals and overpowering opponents with pace and consistency, while Anisimova has produced flashes of brilliance amid injury interruptions. If the match becomes rhythm-based and extends into longer exchanges, Anisimova has the patterns and history to turn it into an upset. But, on paper, Sabalenka is the obvious choice.
Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets
Sabalenka at -235 enters as the clear favorite based on her dominant season and superior serving numbers. Anisimova at +188 enters with a 6-4 lead in the rivalry, adding uncertainty. But the current form tilt makes Sabalenka the safer pick.
Here are the betting odds according to FanDuel:
Aryna Sabalenka: -235
Amanda Anisimova: +188
Here are the odds for total games as well as total sets for both players (sourced via FanDuel):
Set 1 Winner Sabalenka: -166
Set 1 Winner Anisimova: +135
Total Games 20.5 Over: -122
Total Games 20.5 Under: -110
Total Sets 2.5 Over: +144
Total Sets 2.5 Under: -192
(According to FanDuel: FanDuel offers exclusive promo codes, bonus deals and accurate odds for users upon signing up. Use FanDuel to ace your betting game in all sports!)
Mandatory Image Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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