Amanda Anisimova is into the last four of the WTA Finals on debut.
The American’s semifinal hopes were hanging by a thread after the first round of matches, where Anisimova lost to Elena Rybakina in straight sets.
Bouncing back, Anisimova defeated Madison Keys 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, to move to 1-1 in her group, setting up a win-or-go-home match with Iga Swiatek in her final round robin tie.
Coming back from a set down once more, Anisimova beat Swiatek, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, to book her place in the semifinals.
Delighted with the win, Anisimova spoke to Sky Sports’ Gigi Salmon and Laura Robson after the match.
Amanda Anisimova was trying to ‘conserve energy’ against Iga Swiatek
The world number four was happy with the way she played in her third career meeting with the Pole.
“I knew it was going to be such a tough challenge today against Iga [Swiatek],” said Anisimova.
“I told myself to just go for it today and not get down on myself. I feel like throughout the whole match, I was pretty calm, trying to conserve my energy, because I knew it was going to be such a battle.
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2025 WTA Finals – RR | Amanda Anisimova | Iga Swiatek | 6-7, 6-4, 6-2 |
| 2025 US Open – QF | Amanda Anisimova | Iga Swiatek | 6-4, 6-3 |
| 2025 Wimbledon – F | Iga Swiatek | Amanda Anisimova | 6-0, 6-0 |
“I think I did everything I wanted to do, really happy with the way I was able to play.”
Anisimova believes she is starting to get to grips with the conditions at the WTA Finals.
“I feel like with each match I play here, I’m getting more used to the conditions,” she said.
“When I first got on the court, I wasn’t able to play my game, but with each match, I’m finding my confidence and really going for my shots.
“Today I knew I was going to really have to go for it, you can’t really hold back against Iga, so that’s what I was trying to tell myself.”
Anisimova was also asked about her elite mentality, which has been on full display in Riyadh.
“I’m really trying, that’s something I’m constantly working on, I try and enjoy the fight, I think I really embraced that today,” she said.
“As I’ve been on the tour more and more, I really like the battle and trying to overcome obstacles, especially here, there are many of them; you’re playing against the best.
“For sure, there have been a lot of challenges. I’ve just been trying to figure out my way.”
Whatever she’s doing is clearly working, as she now looks ahead to the semifinals.
Who will Amanda Anisimova play in the semifinals of the WTA Finals?
Finishing as runner-up in her group, Anisimova will play the winner of ‘Group Steffi Graf’ in the semifinals.
Aryna Sabalenka currently tops the group, although that could all change with a round of matches left to play.
Group Steffi Graf standings
| Rank | Name | Win-Loss record | Sets (Win-Loss) | Games (Win-Loss) |
| 1 | Aryna Sabalenka | 2-0 | 4-1 | 26-17 |
| 2 | Coco Gauff | 1-1 | 3-2 | 24-23 |
| 3 | Jessica Pegula | 1-1 | 3-3 | 31-26 |
| 4 | Jasmine Paolini | 0-2 | 0-4 | 9-24 |
Group Steffi Graf scheduled matches
- Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff
- Jessica Pegula vs Jasmine Paolini
Anisimova could theoretically still play Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, or Jessica Pegula in the last four.
The 24-year-old has a winning head-to-head record against both Sabalenka and Gauff, but has never beaten Pegula on the WTA Tour.
Only time will tell who Anisimova will play in the semifinals, but you certainly won’t want to miss the final day of WTA Finals group stage action.
Sabalenka will play Gauff, and Pegula will play Paolini on Thursday, November 6.
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