The field is set for the semifinals of the WTA Finals in Riyadh for Friday, following some drama in the round robin stage. World no 1 Sabalenka came back strongly in the match against Gauff to book her place in the semi’s and will now face Amanda Anisimova, a repeat of the US Open final.
In the other match we’ll see Jessica Pegula take on Elena Rybakina in what should be a good contest.
Here is a closer look at the two semi-finals of the 2025 WTA Finals.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Amanda Anisimova
| Player | Round Robin Record | Wins | Path to SF |
| Aryna Sabalenka (1) | 3-0 | Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula | Group Winner (Stefanie Graf Group) |
| Amanda Anisimova (7) | 2-1 | Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys | Group Runner-up (Serena Williams Group) |
The World No. 1 has been solid as always, sweeping her group with a perfect 3-0 record, including a strong straight-sets win over Coco Gauff to clinch the top spot. She is chasing her first WTA Finals title and is making her fourth consecutive semifinal appearance.
Anisimova has come back strong following a slow start to the event and she had a “winner-take-all” group match against Swiatek, which she won in three sets to book her spot. This is a chance for her to cap a fantastic second half of the season with a major final. She is one of the few players that can really cause problems for Sabalenka.
Prediction: While Anisimova has shown her ability to challenge the best, Sabalenka’s current level of consistency and playing well in the right moment will take her through. We’ll go with the World No. 1 to power through in a tough three-set battle.
Elena Rybakina vs. Jessica Pegula
The second semifinal features the undefeated Elena Rybakina against the American, Jessica Pegula.
| Player | Round Robin Record | Notable Wins | Path to SF |
| Elena Rybakina (2) | 3-0 | Iga ?wi?tek, Amanda Anisimova | Group Winner (Serena Williams Group) |
| Jessica Pegula (5) | 2-1 | Coco Gauff, Jasmine Paolini | Group Runner-up (Stefanie Graf Group) |
Rybakina, the second seed, has been arguably the most impressive player of the tournament, not dropping a set en route to the semifinals. Her strong serve and flat, punishing forehand have been incredibly effective on the medium slow indoor hard court. She has lost quite a few semi’s in recent times and now she’s eager to reach the final.
Pegula had a nervous wait after her round-robin play but advanced as the runner-up of the Stefanie Graf Group. Her victory over Coco Gauff was crucial, and she showed great composure in her final group match. She really is a tricky opponent for anyone but this will be tough.
Prediction: Rybakina’s serve has been an almost impenetrable weapon this week. While Pegula is in good form, and has a slight edge in their H2H,, Rybakina’s form seems too strong to break down. Rybakina in straight sets, might include a tiebreak.
