Post by : Meena Ariff

Another high-profile rematch unfolded after earlier meetings at Wimbledon and the US Open this season. Swiatek had delivered a dominant 6-0 6-0 victory at Wimbledon in July, but Anisimova struck back with a win over the Pole in the US Open quarter-finals in September.

The contest began tightly, with both players holding serve through the opening 12 games. The deadlock was broken in a tense first-set tiebreak, which Swiatek edged after Anisimova pushed a forehand long.

In the second set Anisimova lifted her level, applying pressure and earning a decisive break in the 10th game to force a final set at the King Saud University Sports Arena. She carried that momentum into the decider, breaking again to move 3-1 ahead and placing the onus on world number two Swiatek. The 24-year-old steadied herself to complete the comeback.

Anisimova said her mother’s encouragement — reminding her of the many three-set victories she has compiled this year — helped her stay composed, and she embraced the challenge by going for her shots.

Earlier in the session, Elena Rybakina continued her strong form with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova. The draw had been affected by withdrawals and fitness concerns, with Madison Keys pulling out through illness and Mirra Andreeva ruled unfit. Rybakina, who had previously beaten both Anisimova and Swiatek in the tournament, withstood a determined Alexandrova, broke in the ninth game of the opener and then tightened her serve and groundstrokes to close out the match in straight sets.

Looking ahead, world number one Aryna Sabalenka meets Coco Gauff on Thursday as both vie for a semi-final berth from the Steffi Graf group. Jessica Pegula can bolster her chances when she faces the already-eliminated Jasmine Paolini.

#Global