Iga Swiatek is attempting to defend her WTA Finals title after winning the event for the first time in 2023.
Swiatek has had another strong year on the WTA Tour, trading positions with Aryna Sabalenka as world number one during the season.
Swiatek won the French Open earlier this year, taking her tally to four titles at Roland Garros, the most of any active female player.
The 23-year-old won a number of other big titles throughout the year but has struggled for form in recent months, having not won a title since her French Open victory in June.
Swiatek was knocked out of the US Open in the semi-finals by Jessica Pegula, with the Pole taking a break from tennis after the event.
She is back in action for the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, and may have dealt with a bit of rust during her opening match.
Iga Swiatek says she struggled with a ‘rusty’ start during opening ATP Finals win
Swiatek trailed 4-6, 0-3 during her opening WTA Finals match against Barbora Krejcikova but eventually came through to win in three sets.
The Pole spoke after the match about what she had to do to overcome such a deficit.
“It wasn’t easy,” she said.
“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 [Krejcikova] 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.”
Swiatek went on to thank her fans for propelling her to victory in Riyadh.
“In tough moments today, when I heard you guys screaming it helped me,” she said.
“Thank you guys for the support and for cheering.
“Even though at the beginning my game wasn’t so nice, you guys still believed.”
Iga Swiatek wins 60th WTA match of the season
Swiatek’s victory over Krejcikova was her 60th in 2024, securing her third consecutive season with 60 or more wins.
Only Martina Hingis (1997-2001) and Caroline Wozniacki (2009-2011), have achieved the same feat in the past 30 years, another impressive achievement for the Pole.
Swiatek’s 2024 season has been one of the best of her career so far picking up a number of big titles on the WTA Tour.
- Qatar WTA 1000 – Winner
- Indian Wells – Winner
- Madrid Open – Winner
- Italian Open – Winner
- French Open – Winner
- Olympics – Bronze medalist
Swiatek will be hoping to add to her trophy haul with the title in Saudi Arabia, but will face tough opposition from her rival Aryna Sabalenka who won her opening match against Qinwen Zheng.
After getting the better of Krejcikova, Swiatek will face both Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula this week, with one more win likely enough to qualify her for the semi-finals.
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