In a swift and commanding display, Iga Swiatek defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-0 at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, but her hopes for a semifinal spot were dashed by a twist of fate. Despite the 51-minute victory, the Polish star’s fate rested on other results – specifically, Coco Gauff needed to defeat Barbora Krejcikova to keep Swiatek in contention. When Krejcikova clinched the win against Gauff, Swiatek’s journey in the tournament abruptly ended.
Swiatek’s frustration was clear, as she admitted after the match that she hadn’t realized the game was irrelevant for her progression. “You mean it didn’t matter? What?” she responded, stunned. Reflecting on her approach, Swiatek emphasized her professional mentality, stating, “I’m professional enough to always give 100 percent, no matter what the stakes are.”
Swiatek’s match against Kasatkina, who had replaced an injured Jessica Pegula, was one of her strongest performances this year. Dominating from the outset, Swiatek broke Kasatkina’s serve five times and won 51 of 74 points, showcasing her strategic prowess. Kasatkina, a familiar opponent whom Swiatek had defeated in five previous encounters, struggled to keep up, managing only one game before Swiatek closed out the match with an ace.
However, this resounding win was bittersweet, as Swiatek had aimed to reach her third consecutive WTA Finals semifinal, a feat last achieved by Maria Sharapova over a decade ago. Swiatek had hoped for redemption, especially after a challenging season against top-tier opponents, with recent losses to Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Zheng Qinwen.
In a dramatic finish to the group stage, Krejcikova, seeded at number 13, emerged as a surprise semifinalist. The Czech player fended off Gauff’s advances with remarkable composure, saving 11 of 12 break points to secure her place. “I think the calmness that I have in myself is key,” Krejcikova remarked post-match. She will next face rising star Zheng Qinwen in what promises to be a thrilling clash, while Gauff takes on the formidable Sabalenka.
While Swiatek exits earlier than anticipated, her dominance over Kasatkina reaffirms her skill and determination. As she continues her pursuit of more titles, this WTA Finals match will stand as a reminder of her unwavering commitment to excellence, regardless of the circumstances.
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