Riyadh- Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will collide in a powerhouse WTA Finals championship match on Saturday night, after both came through hard-fought semifinals in Riyadh that showcased their contrasting styles and steel under pressure.

Both finalists arrive unbeaten here (4 - 0) after dramatic nights. Sabalenka continued her late-season surge by edging Amanda Anisimova in three sets, while Rybakina rallied past Jessica Pegula after dropping the first set. The result: a blockbuster final between two of the tour's biggest hitters.

Two different runs to the same place

Sabalenka's season has peaks and momentum. Since the US Open, a major she defended, she's been nearly flawless, winning 14 of 15 matches and compiling an imposing 39 - 6 record on hard courts in 2025. Her combination of power and relentlessness has seen her dominate movers and grinders alike this week.

Rybakina has been building steam of her own. She's riding a long winning streak through Asia into Riyadh and brought her biggest weapon, a punishing serve, back into form. In the semifinal she peppered Pegula with aces and converted free points at crucial moments, That serving form has been a cornerstone of her late surge.

Sabalenka vs Rybakina: Styles and storylines

When these two meet, the ball flies. Sabalenka's heavy groundstrokes and aggressive court posture clash with Rybakina's towering serve and slice of tactical calm. Their familiarity adds spice: this is their 14th meeting, with Sabalenka holding the edge in past results.

Experience at this event favors Sabalenka; she's made multiple deep runs here, including a previous final. Rybakina, meanwhile, is aiming to finally move past the round-robin barrier that stalled her earlier appearances.

Keys to the title

  • For Sabalenka: Start with intensity. Attack Rybakina's second serve and slay aggressive in rallies to prevent her opponent from dictating points with serve-plus-one. Mental stamina late in sets will matter.
  • For Rybakina: Keep the serve humming. Free points with aces or service winners will thin Sabalenka's margin for error. Mic in variety to break rhythm and force Sabalenka out of her preferred patterns.

What's at stake

Beyond prize money and points, the Riyadh crown is final marquee event of the season- the last statement before players take their off season break. With Coco Gauff's round-robin exit, this tournament also guarantees a first-time WTA Finals champions for the 10th straight year.

Expect a fast, loud match and a decisive final chapter to the 2025 campaign and then for at least one player, a celebratory island escape.

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