Anisimova stuns Swiatek as Rybakina marches on at Saudi Open

The stage was set for another showdown between Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova after their Wimbledon and US Open encounters earlier this year. Swiatek had dominated Anisimova 6-0 6-0 to claim her maiden Wimbledon title in July, but the American gained revenge in the US Open quarter-finals in September.

In their latest meeting, 12 straight holds of serve marked a fierce start. Swiatek finally seized control in the first-set tiebreak, clinching it when Anisimova sent a forehand long.

The second set saw Anisimova raise her intensity, earning the first break in the 10th game to force a decider at the King Saud University Sports Arena. With confidence building, she broke again to lead 3-1 in the third set, shifting the pressure onto world number two Swiatek. The resilient 24-year-old held firm to complete a remarkable comeback.

"My mom keeps telling me, 'you've won so many three-set matches this year, you're so strong, you can do it,'" Anisimova said. "Against Iga today, it was so tough but I was enjoying it… I told myself to go all out."

Earlier, Elena Rybakina maintained her dominant run with a 6-4 6-4 win over Ekaterina Alexandrova. Madison Keys had withdrawn due to illness, and Mirra Andreeva was unfit to play. Rybakina, who had already beaten Anisimova and Swiatek, came under pressure from a fresh Alexandrova but broke in the ninth game to claim the first set. She then strengthened her serve and hitting in the second set to seal victory in straight sets.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Coco Gauff on Thursday, with both players in contention for a semi-final spot from the Steffi Graf group. Jessica Pegula can boost her chances when she meets the eliminated Jasmine Paolini.