Tim Henman on what he found 'absolutely incredible' about Aryna Sabalenka's match with Amanda Anisimova from courtside

Aryna Sabalenka has now set up a mouth-watering clash with Elena Rybakina, after beating Amanda Anisimova to reach the final of the WTA Finals.

With Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff both knocked out early, we were already guaranteed a brand-new winner of this event.

And now, with the grand finale confirmed, tennis fans know they are guaranteed an all-action, big-hitting affair between two of the women’s game’s most explosive and in-form players.

Tim Henman, speaking after Aryna Sabalenka’s impressive three-set win over Amanda Anisimova, explained what he found particularly ‘incredible’ about the Belarusian’s win over her American opponent.

Tim Henman reacts to Aryna Sabalenka’s win over Amanda Anisimova

Chatting live on Sky Sports, the British pundit would claim: “From the first couple of games, they were just going toe to toe from the word go.

“An hour for the first set, 6-3, just emphasised how many close games there were. Neither player wanted to take a backwards step; they are such aggressive ball strikers, and there was no variation. They just wanted to fight fire with fire, and at every opportunity, they were stepping in.

“To be at the side of the court to see the pace of shot was absolutely incredible. The resilience mentally for both players to respond at different times was incredibly impressive, but as has been the case, Sabalenka, the number one player in the world, she has won the big matches in the Slams and found a way to come through again today.”

Sabalenka gave her thoughts on Anisimova’s tennis after the match, in an honest on-court interview that heralded the American for yet another close-fought encounter.

Aryna Sabalenka is chasing her first-ever WTA Finals title

Having qualified for the WTA Finals four times before this year, and reaching the final in 2023 as well, Sabalenka has come so close to tasting victory at this unique and elite event.

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However, that success has continued to elude her, coming closest in 2022 when Caroline Garcia shockingly beat her in the final.

With the red-hot Rybakina now standing in her way, a truly stern test awaits.

This is especially tough considering the Kazakhstani has a history of troubling Sabalenka, thrashing her in Cincinnati earlier this year, and beating her at this very event this time last year.

It really is impossible to call, but fans are assured a hugely high-quality affair between two superstars who will surely do the WTA proud with their showcase showdown this Saturday.

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