At the WTA finals in Riyadh, the American Amanda Anisimova won against world number two Iga Swiatek (Poland) 6:7, 6:4, 6:3 and is now in the semi-finals.
Wimbledon winner Swiatek lost the decisive duel for advancement despite leading the set. In addition to Anisimova, Kazakh Jelena Rybakina also reached the semi-finals in Group B.
Next preliminary round after 2023 for Swiatek
Last year Swiatek did not make it past the preliminary round. In 2023, the 24-year-old won the year-end tournament for the best eight players of the season.
Against Anisimova, whom she had humiliated 6-0, 6-0 at Wimbledon, Swiatek was particularly vulnerable on her own serve. Anisimova, fourth in the world rankings, acted bravely in the return, but only took advantage of her break chances in the second and third sets. After 2:37 hours, the debutant converted her first match point.
Third win in the third match for Rybakina
Rybakina had to adapt to a different opponent at short notice, but ultimately had hardly any problems with Jekaterina Alexandrova from Russia in the 6:4, 6:4 win. Alexandrova was added to the field after her compatriot Madison Keys withdrew due to a viral illness. With her third win in the third match, Rybakina secured victory in the group.
It is not yet clear who Rybakina and Anisimova will face in the semi-finals. In Group A, Aryna Sabalenka has the best chance of reaching first place; the Belarusian has won both of her games so far and will face French Open champion Coco Gauff (USA) on Thursday (not before 4:30 p.m./Sky). Before that, the American Jessica Pegula plays against the Italian Jasmine Paolini, who has already been eliminated.