Reigning champion Iga Swiatek has made a successful start to this year’s WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Polish tennis player, who is fighting to return to the top of the rankings by the end of the year, had to struggle for a three-set victory over Barbora Krejciíkova (Czech Republic) by 2-1 (4:6, 7:5, 6:2), in over two and a half hours of play .
Barbora Krejciíkova may rue the missed success over the world number two after leading Iga Swiatek by a set and 3:0 in the second, with two breaks in her favor. However, the Czech’s play fell and Iga Swiatek restored parity after a decisive break in the 12th game of the second set. She raced to a 5:1 lead in the third, and despite being broken in the seventh game, there was nothing to stop her en route to victory in the Orange Group of the tournament.
Iga Swiatek scored 10 aces against only 3 for her opponent, while Barbora Krejciíkova committed 6 double faults against 5 for the Polish tennis star. Iga Swiatek made more winners 40-24, but also finished the match with more unforced errors – 47-41.
Later, the second match of the group, Cori Coco Gauff defeated Jessica Pegula by 2-0 (6:3, 6:2).
