“This year I take it as a regular tournament”: Aryna Sabalenka on her new approach at the WTA Finals

Aryna Sabalenka is back in the WTA Finals semi-finals for the fourth consecutive year — but this time, the Belarusian feels freer than ever. After years of chasing the elusive Year-End No. 1 and falling short in the late stages, Sabalenka says she has learned to approach the tournament differently. Her 7-6(5), 6-2 victory over defending champion Coco Gauff was not just a statement of power, but a reflection of her new mindset.

Sabalenka revealed after the match that she came into Riyadh determined to treat the prestigious event as any other tournament. “Every year I would play and lose at least one match in the round robin,” she said. “This year I came and I take this tournament as a regular one. I go on court, I fight, I bring my best tennis.” The change in approach has clearly paid off, with the World No. 1 cruising through the group stage undefeated.

The Belarusian’s focus and resilience were evident when she trailed 3-5 in the opening set, with Gauff serving for the lead. “To be honest, I was already working for the second set,” she admitted with a laugh. “I was just trying to find rhythm on her serve and to fight. Somehow, I was able to turn things around.” That crucial break at 4-5 gave her the spark she needed, propelling her to close the match in straight sets and end Gauff’s title defense.

With the semi-finals set, Sabalenka will face Amanda Anisimova — a familiar opponent with whom she shares a rich rivalry. The pair have already met three times this season: Sabalenka won at Roland Garros and in the US Open final, while Anisimova prevailed at Wimbledon. Their head-to-head now stands at 6-4 in favour of Sabalenka, who described their clashes as “always great battles.”

Sabalenka’s success in Riyadh comes after a challenging few years at the season-ending event. She lost the 2022 final to Caroline Garcia, then fell in back-to-back semi-finals against the eventual champions — Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff. This time, she insists, feels different. With the pressure of the Year-End No. 1 ranking off her shoulders, she can focus purely on the game itself. “Of course, those checks are a great bonus,” she joked, “but my main priority is just to bring the best tennis and make sure people enjoy watching.”

Her words underline a transformation in perspective — one that could make the difference in her quest for the WTA Finals trophy, one of the few major titles missing from her collection. Sabalenka’s power and consistency have long been her hallmarks, but this calmer, more composed version of her could prove even more dangerous.

“I’m excited to face Amanda again,” Sabalenka said. “My mentality is to go out there, bring everything I can, and do everything possible — work hard for a dream.” With a 6-4 record over her American rival and two wins in their last three meetings, the odds might favour the Belarusian. But Anisimova, revitalised after a strong comeback season, is unlikely to go down quietly.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the draw, Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula will meet for a place in the final, ensuring a high-stakes weekend in Riyadh. Whether Sabalenka can finally lift the WTA Finals crown remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the World No. 1 has found joy again — and that might be her most powerful weapon yet.