Sabalenka x Anisimova in a semifinal duel at the WTA Finals in Riyadh: live game and where to watch

Aryna Sabalenka, leader of the WTA rankings, faces American Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals of the WTA Finals, this Friday, November 7, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The clash takes place in the night session, starting at 8pm local time (AST), equivalent to 1pm in Brasília. Sabalenka is looking to maintain her unbeaten run in the tournament after advancing with solid wins in the group stage, while Anisimova is aiming for a surprise in her first semi-final at the event.

The confrontation revives the 2025 US Open final, won by Sabalenka, and highlights the historic balance between the players.

The broadcast takes place live on Disney+ in Brazil, with streaming options for fans to follow the clash in real time.

Here’s what’s in store for the semi-finals ➡️#WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/dt4K9vc4j0

— wta (@WTA) November 6, 2025

History of clashes defines tension

Sabalenka and Anisimova faced each other ten times on the circuit, with a 5-4 advantage for the Belarusian on hard courts.

The American won the Wimbledon semifinal in July, in a three-set match, but lost the US Open final in straight sets.

• At Roland Garros, Sabalenka triumphed 7-5, 6-3in octaves.
• In the Toronto tournament, Anisimova won in 2024.
• Both have accumulated 62 victories this season, focusing on powerful serves.

Sabalenka’s trajectory in the group stage

Sabalenka dominated the Steffi Graf group with three wins in three games, without losing sets.

She defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-1, Jessica Pegula 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 and Coco Gauff 7-6(5), 6-2.

This sequence marks her fourth consecutive semifinal at the WTA Finals, where she is seeking her first title.

The Belarusian is 62-11 on the season, with finals in seven tournaments, including the Australian Open and US Open.

Anisimova overcomes obstacles in the group

Anisimova started with a loss to Elena Rybakina, but recovered with comebacks.

She came from one set down against Madison Keys and beat Iga Swiatek 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the deciding match.

These triumphs guaranteed her place as second in Serena Williams’ group, in her first participation in the Finals.

Strategies on indoor clay in Riyadh

Indoor clay favors aggressive players, like the two semifinalists, who prioritize serves and winners.

Sabalenka leads in aces, averaging 8 per game, while Anisimovastands out in returns, converting 45% of break points.

Analysts predict close sets, with an average duration of 1h45 in previous clashes.

The Belarusian adjusted her forehand to reduce unforced errors, dropping to 18 per game in the group stage.

Expectations for the live game

Fans in Brazil access the duel via Disney+, with narration in Portuguese and immediate replays.

The WTA Finals distributes US$15.25 million in prizes, with US$5.25 million going to the champion.

• Semi winner earns US$841,000 and places in the final.
• Loser receives US$428,000.
• Audience in Riyadh exceeds 10 thousand per session.

Physical and mental preparation of athletes

Sabalenka has focused on tie-breaks, converting 80% this season, after sessions with trainers in Minsk.

Anisimova, back after a break in 2023, incorporated yoga for stability, reducing double faults by 30%.

Both arrive rested, with an extra day off before the semi.

The clash tests resilience, as Anisimova turned over sets in 60% of her three-set matches this year.

Importance of the WTA Finals in the calendar

The tournament brings together the best eight of the season and serves as the culmination of the year.

In 2025, she eliminated the 2024 champion, Iga Swiatek, guaranteeing a new winner for the tenth consecutive time.

Sabalenka aims to maintain the top of the rankings, with 11,225 points, while Anisimova could climb to 3rd place.

The final takes place on Saturday, with Rybakina or Pegula in the other bracket.