Amanda Anisimova aces Iga Swiatek 6-7(3) 6-4 6-2 in the Round Robin in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Amanda Anisimova delivered one of the most thrilling performances of the WTA Finals so far, defeating world No. 1 Iga Swiatek 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2 in a gripping 2-hour, 36-minute encounter at the King Saud University Indoor Arena in Riyadh. The match was a winner-takes-all scenario in the Serena Williams Group, with the victor securing a spot in the semifinals. Anisimova’s aggressive baseline play and clutch serving proved decisive in overcoming Swiatek’s early momentum.

Turning point after the first set

Swiatek took the opening set in a tense tiebreak, showing her trademark consistency and defensive prowess. However, Anisimova responded with renewed intensity in the second, breaking Swiatek’s rhythm and capitalizing on short balls. The American’s forehand became increasingly dominant, and her ability to absorb pressure turned the tide. By the third set, Anisimova was in full control, racing to a 6-2 finish.

Anisimova’s second win over Swiatek

This victory marks Anisimova’s second career win over Swiatek, and her first since their meeting at the 2022 Australian Open. Speaking after the match, Anisimova said: “I knew I had to stay aggressive and trust my shots. Iga is such a tough opponent, and I’m proud of how I handled the pressure tonight” (source: WTA).

Swiatek exits after back-to-back defeats

Swiatek, who entered the tournament as the top seed, exits the WTA Finals after consecutive losses to Anisimova and Madison Keys. Despite winning the first set in both matches, she was unable to maintain control in the later stages. Her early exit comes as a surprise, given her dominant form throughout the season.

Semifinal clash with Rybakina awaits

Anisimova will now face Elena Rybakina in the semifinals. Rybakina, who remained undefeated in group play, secured her spot earlier with a straight-sets win over Ekaterina Alexandrova. The matchup promises a high-powered duel between two of the tour’s most aggressive hitters.

Riyadh
Anisimova's Record

After this contest, the head to head between Anisimova and Swiatek is 2-1.

1st
Anisimova
Swiatek
6-7
6
7
6
6
5
6
5
5
4
5
4
4
3
4
3
3
2
3
2
2
1
2
1
1
0
1
2nd
Anisimova
Swiatek
6-4
6
4
5
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
0
3rd
Anisimova
Swiatek
6-2
6
2
5
2
4
2
4
1
3
1
2
1
1
1
1
0

Tennis Scores in Riyadh

  • Elena RybakinaRybakina – Ekaterina AlexandrovaAlexandrova (6-4 6-4)
  • Aryna SabalenkaSabalenka – Jessica PegulaPegula (6-4 2-6 6-3)
  • Cori GauffGauff – Jasmine PaoliniPaolini (6-3 6-2)
  • Amanda AnisimovaAnisimova – Madison KeysKeys (4-6 6-3 6-2)
  • Jessica PegulaPegula – Cori GauffGauff (6-3 6-74 6-2)
  • Iga SwiatekSwiatek – Madison KeysKeys (6-1 6-2)