Iga Swiatek admits she felt ‘rusty’ at WTA Finals against Barbora Krejcikova as she wins first match in two months
Iga Swiatek defeated Barbora Krejcikova in three sets in her first group-stage match at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
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Barbora Krejcikova, Iga Swiatek (Images via X)
Iga Swiatek played her first match since her US Open quarterfinal exit in September. In her first group-stage match on Sunday (November 3), Swiatek was up against Barbora Krejcikova and won the match with a scoreline of 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.
Swiatek, it seemed needed the match rhythm as Krejcikova dominated her throughout the first set. The second set was no different at first, but the Pole forced a comeback and took a 4-3 lead, and soon, she won it 7-5.
Swiatek did not fail to capitalize on her lead and tried dominating from the first game in the third set and almost bageled the 28-year-old. Krejcikova won the sixth game but it was too late as Swiatek quickly wrapped up the match. After the match, Swiatek revealed that she felt ‘rusty’ in the beginning and lost the points.
It wasn’t easy. At the start, I felt rusty but I’m happy I found a way to play more solid. I didn’t feel great at the beginning. Barbora used that. The score went her way quickly. I knew it was tight even in the first set. I had my chances. I just wanted to use them next time.
Iga Swiatek said after the match
Swiatek also lauded the crowd for chanting her name and admitted that the crowd’s support also helped her eke out the victory after a poor start.
Iga Swiatek is set to lock horns with Coco Gauff
Though Iga Swiatek‘s next opponent is Coco Gauff, she is expected to come out on top over the American. Gauff has been enjoying a good form in the past few months but her record against Swiatek is below-par.
The World No. 3 has met Swiatek 12 times but could win just once. Twice they clashed this season, in the French Open semifinals and Rome Open, which Swiatek won before taking home both the trophies.
The only time Gauff was able to win was also the match where she played a three-setter against the World No.2. It was in the 2023 Cincinnati Open quarterfinals where the American registered her first victory over Swiatek.
After Gauff, Swiatek will be meeting Jessica Pegula, whom she defeated last year’s final to win her maiden WTA Finals trophy. Gauff on the other will kick start her campaign in Riyadh against Pegula on November 3. Against Pegula, Gauff is 1-4 in their head-to-head record.
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Gouri Das
(4691 Articles Published)