In an electrifying start to the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Saturday, Iga Swiatek showcased her championship form with a decisive victory over Madison Keys, winning 6-1, 6-2. The match, part of the opening day of the Serena Williams Group, lasted only 61 minutes, illustrating Swiatek’s dominance on court.
Post-match, Swiatek expressed satisfaction with her performance. “I felt focused and in the zone from start to finish. I’m pleased with my serve and overall concentration,” she remarked. The match was a significant comeback for Swiatek, the defending champion, who has had a stellar year, highlighted by her triumph at Wimbledon.
Conversely, Keys was returning to competitive play after a lengthy absence of 68 days due to an injury sustained during the summer. Her last appearance was a first-round upset at the US Open. Keys acknowledged the challenge of facing Swiatek after such a hiatus, stating, “It can make you a bit rusty.” Despite her efforts, she struggled against Swiatek’s relentless gameplay.
Swiatek, the second seed, dominated the statistical categories, winning 58 of the 87 points played. Her ability to convert 5 of 8 break points underscored her effectiveness in the match. Following the victory, Swiatek now holds a 6-2 advantage in their head-to-head matchups, having won three of their last four meetings.
In the night session, the second match of the Serena Williams Group featured Elena Rybakina against Amanda Anisimova. Rybakina swiftly claimed the match 6-3, 6-1, requiring just 57 minutes to secure her victory. With this result, she mirrored Swiatek’s performance, offering a strong display of her prowess, particularly with her serve.
“I knew I had to serve well as Amanda is a tough opponent,” Rybakina commented. “Today, everything worked out.” Her serving efficiency, combined with steady baseline play, kept Anisimova on the back foot throughout the contest.
The 24-year-old Kazakh displayed impressive form, having dropped only three games on serve across her past six matches leading into the tournament, further enhancing her confidence heading into the Finals.
As the tournament progresses, Swiatek and Rybakina are poised as formidable contenders. Swiatek, eyeing a repeat of her 2023 victory, and Rybakina, eager to build on her successful season, both look to maintain their winning momentum in the upcoming matches. For Keys, the path forward demands victory in her remaining group stage encounters to advance beyond the round-robin phase.
With the prestigious tournament underway, fans can expect an exciting series of matches as the best female players in the world vie for the coveted title in Riyadh.
