The world number two Iga Swiatek fought back from a slow start in her first match in two months to defeat Barbora Krejcikova 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 as she got her WTA Finals defence off to a winning start in Riyadh. Swiatek was slow to get going and Krejcikova took advantage as she won the opening set and claimed two breaks in the second.
Swiatek, striving to return to world number one from the woman who leapfrogged her following the US Open in Aryna Sabalenka, saw fierce resistance from the Wimbledon champion. The early form of the Pole was ropey- displaying two double faults which allowed Krejcikova to take full advantage as Swiatek’s fans rallied round her at King Saud University Indoor Arena.
A set and 3-0 down in the second, Swiatek turned the match around with a powerful backhand, then equalled much more consistently. She then ran away with the third set, racing to a 5-0 lead as Krejcikova struggled with a back problem before closing it out after a minor fightback from her opponent.
With Sabalenka beating Zheng Qinwen in her own opener, Swiatek now needs at least two round-robin wins if she is to retain this title and thus possibly end the year as top-ranked player. Coco Gauff meets Jessica Pegula in the other Orange Group match on Sunday.
