Overview
- Elena Rybakina defeated Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, firing 15 aces and winning 73% of first‑serve points to advance to her first WTA Finals championship match.
- World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka outlasted Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to reach the final, calling the tense semi “great preparation” for facing Rybakina.
- Rybakina remains undefeated this week and is riding a 10-match winning streak in completed matches, having been the last player to qualify for the event.
- The Kazakh acknowledged shoulder discomfort from warm-up and late-season fatigue but said her serve “helped me when I needed it” in the comeback win.
- Saturday’s final at King Saud University Indoor Arena offers a record champion’s payout reported at about $5.235 million, with Sabalenka leading their head-to-head 8-5.