WTA Year-End Finals Update! The First Semifinalist Emerges, Swiatek Gets a Bagel, and Rybakina Secures Top Spot

On November 4th Beijing time, the WTA Riyadh Year-End Finals group stage battles continue fiercely. Anisimova staged a 2-1 comeback against Australian Open winner Keys, and in a duel between Grand Slam champions, Rybakina also reversed Swiatek 2-1. This has significantly altered the group’s qualification scenario, with Rybakina securing two wins in a row to lock in a spot and claim first place, while Keys, with two defeats, embarrassingly finished last and is eliminated!

Anisimova versus Keys. The two American players faced off in a derby match. Anisimova has won two WTA 1000 titles this season and reached the Wimbledon final, showing rapid progress. Keys, on the other hand, took the Australian Open title from Sabalenka. The match started with a fierce battle in the first set, both players closely matched, but Keys surged ahead with breaks and holds to take it 6-4. In the second set, Anisimova, trailing 2-3, unleashed a lightning-fast four-game streak to win 6-3 and even the match. The final set became one-sided as Anisimova went all out, dominating Keys 6-2 to complete a 2-1 comeback victory, earning her first win and keeping her hopes alive for advancement!

Rybakina versus Swiatek. Two Grand Slam champions clashed, with Swiatek holding a recent 4-match winning streak over Rybakina, making Rybakina the underdog before the match. Swiatek started aggressively, attacking relentlessly and taking the first set 6-3. However, the match took a sudden turn as Swiatek faltered on both offense and defense, while Rybakina found a long-awaited surge of form, firing on all cylinders and overwhelming her opponent. She won the second set 6-1 to level the score, then powered through the decider with a 6-0 bagel, completing a 2-1 comeback over Swiatek. This marked her second consecutive win, a dominant performance like a sweeping autumn wind!

As a result, the group’s qualification picture is now very clear. Rybakina’s two straight wins have secured her the top spot and a place in the semifinals for the first time, marking a breakthrough. Swiatek and Anisimova are second and third respectively, and they will face off in the final round to fight for the last semifinal spot. Keys, after two losses, has been eliminated early and will head home!

Written by / Sports Fiction!