In an exciting start to the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Iga Swiatek dominated Madison Keys in a match that showcased the best of women’s tennis. The Polish star, fresh off her successful campaign at Wimbledon, delivered a commanding performance, winning in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-2.
The match lasted just over an hour, with Swiatek demonstrating her superior skill and focus throughout. The world number one won an impressive 58 out of 87 points, which exemplified her aggressive play and tactical execution. After the match, Swiatek expressed her satisfaction, stating, “I was in the zone from the beginning to the end, and I really wanted to keep it that way.”
For Keys, this encounter marked her first competitive outing in nearly 70 days, following a disappointing first-round exit at the US Open. Unsurprisingly, the long layoff left its mark, and Swiatek observed that such a gap in play “can make you a bit rusty.” Keys will need to regroup quickly, as she faces critical matches against Amanda Anisimova and Elena Rybakina in the same group if she hopes to advance in the tournament.
Rybakina, who is also in the Serena Williams Group, secured her own victory on the same day, overcoming Anisimova with a score of 6-3, 6-1. This sets the stage for an intense competition in the upcoming days as players battle for a spot in the semifinals of this prestigious season-ending event. Each match is crucial, and the stakes are high as they vie for the title and the opportunity to conclude the year on a high note.
