Amanda Anisimova overcame Iga Swiatek 6-7 (3-7)6-4 6-2 in a winner-take all clash for the last semifinal spot from Serena Williams Group.
Elena Rybakina had already secured the Serena Williams Group’s first semifinal spot before her 6-4 6-4 win over alternate Ekayerina Alexandrova, leaving the match between Anisimova and Swiatek decide.
Both players held on their serve without facing any break points en rout to the tie-break.
Swiatek won three consecutive points to open up a 4-1 lead before converting her second set point to win the tie-break 7-3.
Swiatek missed out on three break points in the third game of the second set. Anisimova earned the first break to force the match to force the match to the tie-break, as Swiarek was serving to stay in the set at 4-5.
Anisimova earned two breaks in the fourth and eighth games to win the third set 6-2.
Swiatek was not able to advance from the WTA Finals Group Stage for the second consecutive year.
Anisimova leads 2-1 in her head-to-head matches against Swiatek. Last summer Swiatek beat Anisimova with a double bagel in the Wimbledon final. Anisimova avenged this defeat by beating her Polish rival 6-3 6-4 in the quarter final of the US Open
“I don’t think I was surprised or shocked at any point in the match. I knew it was going to be really tough, and I was preparing for that. I think I just tried to enjoy it. I feel like I belong at this point and I’ve played a lot of tough matches this year. I know my capabilities. And I know if I can play my best tennis, I can give it my best shot”
