The WTA Finals semifinal lineup is confirmed after a dramatic round robin stage. Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova will meet in a repeat of this year’s US Open final and Wimbledon semifinal. Jessica Pegula vs Elena Rybakina is the other match on what should be a superb day. As always, we here at LWOT give our predictions and analysis in this article, but who will reach the final?
WTA Finals Semifinal Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: Pegula 3-2 Rybakina
Rybakina’s level has been the most impressive of the four remaining players. She easily defeated Anisimova, lost only one game in the final two sets against four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek, and overcame alternate Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets. Jessica Pegula, meanwhile, lost a high-quality battle against Sabalenka, but victories against Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini were enough to reach the semifinal.
The Kazakhstani easily won their only meeting this year at the Billie Jean King Finals, and Rybakina’s performances so far in Riyadh have been among her best in recent years. Although the 2022 Wimbledon winner is a more powerful ball-striker, a fast court would suit Pegula more. The medium-speed conditions have provided the ideal middle ground for Rybakina, allowing time on her groundstrokes while still being fast enough for her serve to be formidable.
Despite Pegula being an excellent player, Rybakina will win if she plays near her level from the round-robin stage. After a string of close semifinal defeats in recent months, she is ready to take the next step.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
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Aryna Sabalenka vs Amanda Anisimova
Head-to-head: Anisimova 6-4 Sabalenka
Anisimova looked down and out after that heavy loss to Rybakina and falling 4-6 1-3 behind to Madison Keys. The Wimbledon and US Open runner-up’s recovery to beat Keys and Swiatek to qualify was spectacular. Sabalenka only dropped one set in victories against Gauff, Pegula, and Paolini.
The head-to-head shows how challenging this matchup is for Sabalenka. Anisimova is the only player who can strike the ball even harder than her from the baseline. In the US Open final, the world No. 1 did a superb job of using her variety at the correct moments to knock her younger opponent off-rhythm. Some clutch serving was also crucial in that win.
However, Anisimova is tipped to make the final in Riyadh. She has performed better in semifinals than finals in 2025, and has also won her last 12 matches that have gone to a deciding set. That ability to perform under pressure, combined with her excellent recent form, might well prove decisive.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
