"There's a lot on the line for both of us": Amanda Anisimova ready to test Swiatek in decisive WTA Finals duel

Amanda Anisimova’s words after her first WTA Finals win summed up the mood perfectly — determined, honest, and quietly confident. “It’s pretty difficult to adjust, especially when you lose the first match,” she admitted, reflecting the mental battle that defines this Round-Robin format. “It’s a new experience for me. It’s not easy, but I’m trying to get used to it, put up a fight, and do my best.”

The 24-year-old American claimed a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 comeback to keep her semifinal hopes alive in Riyadh. After a flat start and an opening-set loss, Anisimova found her range in the second, shifting the momentum with smarter shot selection and deeper returns. It was her first win of the tournament after falling to Elena Rybakina in her debut, and a result that kept her firmly in the race to advance from the Serena Williams Group.

The tactical shift worked wonders. By stepping inside the baseline and finding consistency on the forehand, she broke Keys’ rhythm, turning what looked like another frustrating night into a statement win. When asked what changed, Anisimova was cautious. “I don’t want to give too many secrets away,” she smiled. “But I had to make a few adjustments for sure. I tried not to go for it as much as I was in the beginning. Maddie’s a big hitter and she was playing some unreal tennis.”

Anisimova’s win not only revived her own campaign but also confirmed Elena Rybakina as the first semifinalist from the group. The Kazakh’s earlier victory over Iga Swiatek meant that Anisimova’s result mathematically sealed Rybakina’s passage. It also set up a thrilling final-day showdown between Anisimova and Swiatek — the winner will join Rybakina in the final four. Keys, meanwhile, has been eliminated after two straight defeats, unable to match the firepower of her rivals.

Anisimova knows what’s coming next — another test of focus, composure, and belief. “It’s going to be an interesting one,” she said when asked about facing Swiatek. “There’s going to be a lot on the line for both of us, so it’ll be a good challenge. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

Their previous meetings this season have been in some of the most important events of the year. First it was none other than the Wimbledon final, where Swiatek made history by winning her 6th Grand Slam title with a double bagel (6-0, 6-0). A couple of months later, in the US Open quarterfinals, Anisimov took revenge and claimed the victory in straight sets by 6-4, 6-3.

The American is the only one of the 8 participants in the WTA Finals without tournament experience, while Swiatek equals Sabalenka as the most experienced in the WTA Finals, with 5 consecutive appearances each. “It’s not easy,” Anisimova repeated with a knowing smile, “but I’m doing my best.” The Pole was also the champion in 2023, although in 2024 she was eliminated in the Round Robin – despite having achieved two victories and only one defeat.

This time, both Anisimova and Swiatek will only need to secure the next victory to assure their passage to the semifinals, joining Rybakina, who is guaranteed to finish as the group leader. Even if she loses her third match against Keys. We must remember that the first-place finisher of the Serena Williams Group will face the second-place finisher of the Steffi Graf Group (and vice-versa).