In a decisive match in the group stage of the WTA Finals, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, American Amanda Anisimova defeated Polish Iga Swiatek 6-7 (3), 6-4 and 6-2 this Wednesday (5). The match, played on the central court, defined the second place in the semifinals of the Serena Williams group, already led by Kazakh Elena Rybakina.
Anisimova’s victory, in 2 hours and 36 minutes, marks her first qualification to the semifinals in her tournament debut. Swiatek, number 2 in the world, ends his participation with one victory and two defeats, repeating his early elimination from 2024.
The clash took place on the last day of the group stage, with Anisimova guaranteeing advancement by breaking her rival’s serve at key moments in the second and third sets.
The 23-year-old American now has three wins over Swiatek in 2025, including the US Open.
- Anisimova converted 3 of 12 break points, compared to zero of four for the Polish player.
- The match had 30 service games, with just three breaks, all for the winner.
- Swiatek led the first set in the tiebreak, but made 26 unforced errors.
Riyadh hosted the event for the first time, with a total prize pool of US$15 million.
أماندا أنيسيموفا لا تعرف الاستسلام ❤️🎾
— WTA FINALS RIYADH (@WTAFinalsRiyadh) November 5, 2025
احجز تذكرتك لـ #نهائيات_WTA_الرياض الآن 🎟 https://t.co/0aBnUDWVbE
Big swings. Bigger heart ❤️🎾 Amanda Anisimova takes down a thriller 💥
Get your #WTAFinalsRiyadh tickets now 🎟 https://t.co/0aBnUDWVbE pic.twitter.com/YL0LNB8A0p
Confrontos recentes definem rivalidade intensa
A rivalidade entre Anisimova e Swiatek ganhou forma em 2025. No Wimbledon, a polonesa venceu por 6-0 e 6-0 na final. Meses depois, no US Open, Anisimova reverteu com placar idêntico nas quartas.
Essa partida em Riad representou o terceiro encontro do ano. Anisimova, ranqueada 4ª, usou sua potência no forehand para pressionar. Swiatek, com 62 vitórias na temporada, buscava revanche após a derrota para Rybakina.
O tiebreak do primeiro set durou nove minutos, com Swiatek salvando set points. A americana ajustou o serviço no segundo set, vencendo 72% dos pontos no primeiro saque.
Desempenho na quadra hard impulsiona Anisimova
Anisimova registrou 26 vitórias em 35 jogos no saibro coberto de Riad. Seu recorde em hard courts em 2025 é de 26-9, com títulos em Doha e Pequim.
Ela rebateu 107 pontos no total, contra 103 from the rival. Four aces and just three double faults highlighted his consistency. Swiatek, with 41-11 on the floor, made mistakes on crucial returns.
The American won 63% of the points on the second serve, reversing the Polish’s initial advantage.
In the third set, Anisimova broke early and maintained serve, closing at 6-2. This performance reinforces its rise to the top 5.
Swiatek’s trajectory in the 2025 season
Swiatek won his sixth Grand Slam at Wimbledon, in addition to Cincinnati and Seoul. His overall balance is 62 wins and 11 losses, leading the circuit in triumphs.
In the group stage, they opened with 6-1 and 6-2 over Madison Keys. Against Rybakina, he lost 4-6, 6-1 and 6-0 after winning the first set.
This elimination marks the second consecutive one in the initial phase of the WTA Finals. The Polish player won 36 consecutive games before the turnaround.
Statistics reveal balance in the duel
The match featured parity in aces, with four for Anisimova and two for Swiatek. The American saved all break points in the first set.
- Swiatek won 71% of the points on the first serve, but only 51% on the second.
- Anisimova converted chances in the third set, with a 66% success rate on her initial serve.
- Total points: 210, with a slight advantage for the winner in receiving (41 against 41 in serving).
These numbers indicate a tactical confrontation, decided by unforced errors.
Anisimova’s advance opens up new opportunities
With the victory, Anisimova faces group leader Steffi Graf in the semifinals, possibly Aryna Sabalenka. Their campaign in Riyadh includes a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 comeback against Keys.
The American, in her first WTA Finals, now has two victories. The tournament distributes crucial points for the 2026 ranking.
Swiatek returns to Poland for rest, focusing on next season.
