For Anisimova, the Sabalenka loss also marked the end of her breakout 2025 season, during which she became a WTA 1000 champion - made two Grand Slam finals - and achieved a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the world. She earned praise from none other than the top-ranked player in the game.

Amanda Anisimova is 24. She has been on tour for nearly a decade. She made two Grand Slam finals in the last five months. She’s ranked No. 4, and has wins over each of the Top 3 this season. She just beat Iga Swiatek to clinch a spot in the semifinals at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

Amanda Anisimova outlasted Iga Swiatek in the WTA Finals to set up a semifinal with Elena Rybakina. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- Sometimes, at this late juncture of the WTA Finals’ round-robin matches, the semifinal scenarios can be daunting.

She did it once more Wednesday night, with a trip to the knockout round of the WTA Tour Finals on the line on her first appearance at the tournament. The 24-year-old American climbed back once more, this time from one set and two break points down against Iga Świątek,

Anisimova is making her debut at this prestigious tournament, while the Kazakh tennis player is playing in the semifinals for the first time in Riyadh.

Amanda Anisimova hopes to reunite with her nephews soon after facing defeat against Aryna Sabalenka in the WTA Finals semifinal.