Elena Rybakina showcased her remarkable resilience and skill in a thrilling match against Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals, turning the tables after dropping the first set to secure a stunning victory of 3-6, 6-1, 6-0. This impressive win marked Rybakina’s first triumph over Swiatek in five encounters and propelled her forward in the tournament, boosting her record to 2-0 in the WTA Finals.
Entering the match with a challenging history against Swiatek, Rybakina had lost their previous four encounters. However, she quickly shook off the pressure, rallying to win 12 of the last 13 games, a feat that clinched her a spot in the semifinals for the first time in her career. With Amanda Anisimova’s victory later in the day, Rybakina also secured the No. 1 seed in the Serena Williams Group.
Rybakina’s path to victory was not straightforward. After a tough first set where Swiatek capitalized on Rybakina’s early unforced errors—17 in total—she managed to elevate her game significantly in the proceeding sets. “I feel like she started the match really well and I was a little bit slow,” Rybakina said, reflecting on how she adjusted her play after the opening set. “In the second set, I pushed myself. My serve improved, and I’m really happy that I stepped in and played better each point.”
The match highlighted the stark contrast in their performances as the contest progressed. After an error-ridden start, Rybakina found her rhythm, converting her shots into powerful winners while Swiatek struggled, committing 36 unforced errors across the final two sets. Rybakina’s ability to adapt and intensify her gameplay left Swiatek unable to regain her footing, marking a significant shift from the dominance shown in the first set.
This victory not only demonstrates Rybakina’s tenacity but also her ability to perform under high pressure, a promising sign for her future matches in the tournament. She’s currently riding a wave of success, with a winning streak of eight matches in total, achieving 10 victories in her last 11 outings, the only defeat coming against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Looking ahead, Rybakina expressed excitement about her upcoming matches, determined to maintain her intensity and skill: “It’s a great opportunity to play against the top players. I’m really excited for my next match.” With her strong performances, the rest of the WTA Finals competitors should remain vigilant, as Rybakina’s fierce resolve and skill might just make her the player to beat in Riyadh.