Iga Świątek without success in the WTA Finals. It was real madness!

Iga Świątek returned to the world courts with the tournament in Saudi Riyadh, for the first time since her appearance in the US Open 2024. Speaking of the tournament in New York, it was there that Tuesday’s Polish opponent recorded her first Grand Slam triumph. Coco Gauff won the US Open in the 2023 edition.

WTA Finals: Iga Świątek – Coco Gauff. A clash of two “friends” from the court

Świątek and Gauff are three years apart (20 Polish and 23 American), both tennis players have had the opportunity to meet 12 times. The former had a very favorable record, as many as 11 victories and only one defeat. Among the Polish woman’s numerous successes, one can note the memorable victory over Gauff in the Grand Slam final on the courts. Roland Garros in 2022. Świątek then triumphed very smoothly, winning 6:3, 6:1.

The American therefore had something to prove in Riyadh. It was known that the situation was completely different from what it was in the past. Above all, Świątek is starting a new stage in his career, working with a different coach. Wim Fissette replaced Tomasz Wiktorowski, but we will certainly have to wait a little longer to see the effects of the Belgian’s work with the Pole. Additionally, before coming from Saudi Arabia, Gauff was in a better playing rhythm. Which she confirmed at the inauguration, winning her match in two sets. Jessica Pegula, Gauff’s rival, also showed in her second fight that she came to Riyadh rather in a… very holiday form. Pegula lost for the second time on Tuesday, this time 3-6, 3-6 to Barbora Krejcikova.

The first set confirmed that two worthy tennis players met on the court. However, the American seemed to be half a step ahead, pressing hard in Świątek’s service games. After 39 minutes, Gauff achieved her goal, going 4:3 and having broken the Polish woman’s serve. The American did not relinquish such an advantage, winning the opening game with a score of 6:3.

Crazy set in Riyadh. The Pole ultimately lost to the American

The first set lasted 50 minutes, the second set 59 minutes. Unfortunately, from the Polish perspective, Gauff was again on top. It must be admitted that the American made fewer mistakes and although she struggled with her serve, giving hopes for Świątek’s success and extension of the match, each time she returned to the stability of the result on the board. Examples? The Pole had 2:1 and 4:3 with a break in her favor.

Each time, Gauff made return breaks to finally win 6-4 in the second set and 2-0 in the entire match.

It must be admitted that Świątek, in his optimal condition, seems to be able to maintain such an advantage until the end of the set. But at this stage of the season, after the recent turmoil, we certainly need to be understanding towards the Pole’s disposition.

Thanks to this, the American advanced to the semi-finals of the WTA Finals 2024. What about Świątek? Patiently waiting for the last group clash on Thursday. The Pole’s opponent will be the aforementioned Jessica Pegula.