Aryna Sabalenka overcame Amanda Anisimova ijn three thrilling sets Fayez NURELDINE

World number one Aryna Sabalenka had to dig deep to overcome fourth-seeded Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a high-octane semi-final at the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Friday.

The Belarusian four-time major winner roared her way to a championship showdown with Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, who battled past fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 earlier at King Saud University Indoor Arena.

Sabalenka

"She always pushes me to play my best tennis," said Sabalenka, who gave Anisimova a warm embrace at the net after the match.

"Honestly, I wouldn't care if I would lose this match because we both played an incredible match and we both deserve to be in the final.

"I'm super happy to get the win. I told Aman

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