Iga Swiatek shakes off a slow start to defeat Barbora Krejcikova in her WTA Finals opener.
Iga Swiatek, 23, appeared a bit rusty after a two-month break, but the world No. 2 battled back to secure a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory over Barbora Krejcikova, 28, to begin her WTA Finals title defense in Riyadh on Sunday. Swiatek, who last competed in September’s US Open quarterfinals, was overtaken in the world rankings by Aryna Sabalenka after choosing to skip the WTA Tour’s Asian swing to recover from fatigue.
The Polish player, aiming to regain the world No. 1 ranking in Riyadh, was broken early and struggled to settle as Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova dominated the opening set.
“It wasn’t easy. I felt a bit rusty at the start, but I’m glad I managed to play a bit more steadily,” Swiatek said.
“I didn’t feel great initially, and Barbora took advantage. The score quickly tipped in her favor.
“I knew it was close, even in the first set, and I had some opportunities, so I wanted to make the most of them the next time.”
Krejcikova broke Swiatek twice in the second set following two double faults from the increasingly shaky Pole, whose supporters at the King Saud University Indoor Arena sensed a potential upset and rallied to support the French Open champion.
