Iga Swiatek showcased her resilience in a dramatic comeback against Barbora Krejcikova at the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Sunday. Down a set and two breaks in the second, the world No. 2 battled her way to a hard-fought 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 win, keeping her slim hopes of reclaiming the top ranking alive.
In her first match since the US Open and under a new coach, Swiatek appeared rusty, struggling with her rhythm as Krejcikova seized control early. The Czech player broke Swiatek’s serve in the opening game and continued applying pressure, eventually securing the first set 6-4. Early in the second set, Krejcikova raced to a 3-0 lead, leaving Swiatek on the brink of defeat.
But just as the match seemed to be slipping away, Swiatek found her form. The five-time Grand Slam champion settled down, started to dictate the points, and clawed her way back to level the score at 3-3. As Krejcikova’s nerves began to show, Swiatek pounced, breaking serve again to win the set 7-5.
The momentum fully shifted in Swiatek’s favor in the final set. She stormed to a 5-0 lead, dictating play with powerful serves and aggressive baseline shots. Although Krejcikova managed to break Swiatek once, the Polish star quickly refocused and broke back, securing the win after a grueling 2 hours and 32 minutes.
“For sure it wasn’t easy. At the beginning, I felt a bit rusty,” Swiatek admitted post-match. “I just kept going, tried to be patient, and I’m happy I found a way to play more solid.”
This victory not only marked Swiatek’s first win in two months but also bolstered her chances of reclaiming the year-end No. 1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka. To achieve that, Swiatek will need to perform exceptionally well in Riyadh, potentially needing to win the title and at least two of her round-robin matches, while also relying on Sabalenka’s results.
Swiatek’s road to the title won’t be easy, but her gritty performance against Krejcikova proves she’s ready for the challenge. The 23-year-old, who recently ended a three-year coaching relationship and joined forces with Belgian coach Wim Fissette, seems determined to close out the season on a high note.
With her comeback win, Swiatek reminded the tennis world of her tenacity. Now, she looks ahead, focused on the path to the championship – and possibly the No. 1 spot – in Riyadh.
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