Anisimova tops Keys to reach WTA Finals semifinal showdown with Swiatek
Amanda Anisimova bounced back from an initial loss to defeat fellow American Madison Keys in three sets, setting up a winner-takes-all clash with Iga Swiatek for a spot in the semifinals.
Breakthrough seasons for Anisimova and Keys
In one of the year's most inspiring stories among Hologic WTA Tour players, 4th seed Amanda Anisimova, after taking a lengthy break from tennis, reached her first major final at Wimbledon and followed it up with another at the US Open. Meanwhile, 7th seed Madison Keys, nearing 30, won her maiden Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open. Both Americans cracked the Top 5 rankings during their breakthrough seasons.
WTA Finals Round-Robin Action
On Monday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Anisimova defeated Keys 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in their first professional meeting, keeping her hopes alive for the semifinals. Keys, who ended with an 0-2 record, was eliminated from the tournament.
Serena Williams Group Standings
- No. 6 seed Elena Rybakina secured a comeback victory over No. 2 Iga Swiatek, 3-6, 6-1, 6-0, to finish the round-robin stage undefeated and advance as group winner.
- Anisimova and Swiatek both hold 1-1 records and will face each other on Wednesday for the remaining semifinal spot.
Keys’ response after tough opening loss
“That was a collective decision,” said Bjorn Fratangelo, Keys’ coach and husband, regarding their immediate practice session after Keys won only three games against Swiatek in their opening round-robin match on Saturday.
The match between Anisimova and Swiatek will determine who joins Rybakina in the semifinals.
Author's summary: Amanda Anisimova's comeback win over Madison Keys sets up a crucial WTA Finals semifinal battle against Iga Swiatek, highlighting both Americans' breakthrough seasons.