Defending WTA Finals champion Iga Swiatek made a triumphant return to the court after a two-month hiatus, overcoming a slow start to defeat Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 in the opening match of the Orange Group in Riyadh.
Swiatek, who had not played since September due to a shoulder injury, initially struggled against Krejcikova, committing 19 unforced errors in the first set. However, she rallied back, winning 13 of the last 17 games as Krejcikova’s physical condition deteriorated.
Krejcikova, who had beaten Swiatek in their last two meetings, had also been hampered by injuries and illness in 2024. Despite qualifying for the WTA Finals through a new rule that grants Grand Slam winners a place in the field, she was unable to maintain her form against Swiatek.
Swiatek’s victory extends her unbeaten streak at the WTA Finals to six matches. She will now face Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula in the Orange Group, with the top two finishers advancing to the semifinals.
Swiatek’s performance was particularly impressive given her recent break from competition. She credited her high-level practices with Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen for helping her regain her form.
Krejcikova, on the other hand, struggled with her movement late in the match. She held serve down 5-0 and broke Swiatek once more before eventually succumbing.
The win sets the stage for an exciting Orange Group, with Swiatek, Gauff, and Pegula all vying for a place in the semifinals.
