Rybakina Shocks Swiatek, Advances to WTA Finals Semi-Finals
Elena Rybakina produced one of the most stunning performances of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, staging an incredible comeback to defeat world number two Iga Swiatek and secure her place in the semi-finals. The Kazakh, who had struggled against Swiatek in 2025, looked overpowered in the opening set, losing 3-6. But once she found her rhythm, Rybakina completely turned the match around, winning 12 of the final 13 games to claim a 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory, snapping a four-match losing streak against the Pole.
Rybakina’s dominance after the first set was marked by a powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, forcing Swiatek into defensive positions and producing an overwhelming 36 unforced errors in the last two sets. Her mental resilience and focus were evident as she rallied from behind, breaking Swiatek at crucial moments and finishing the match with a second-serve ace. “Mentally, I am happy that I stayed focused. I got some confidence in the second set and everything was going my way,” Rybakina said after her win. “Hopefully I will play like that through the whole tournament.”
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Amanda Anisimova also made headlines with her comeback victory over Madison Keys. After dropping the first set and falling behind by a break in the second, the American fought back, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Anisimova won 12 of the next 15 games, showcasing both her skill and determination to stay in contention. Keys, returning from a wrist injury, struggled throughout the match and could not regain her rhythm, ending with just eight winners against 38 unforced errors.
With Anisimova’s win, Rybakina’s semi-final spot was confirmed, setting up a potential clash with Keys in the round-robin stage, while Swiatek’s path forward became uncertain. This marked Rybakina’s first win over Swiatek in 19 months, and her eighth consecutive match victory, proving she is hitting peak form at the right moment.
The WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia feature the world’s top eight women competing for a prize fund of £12 million ($15.5 million), and Rybakina’s performance underlines her growing threat in the field. Swiatek, who had dominated her previous meetings with Rybakina in 2025, appeared stunned by the turnaround, highlighting the unpredictability and intensity of the year-end championships.
As the tournament progresses, Rybakina will look to maintain her momentum, while Anisimova and Keys continue their battles to keep semi-final hopes alive. With top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula also in contention, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the WTA season, filled with unexpected twists and high-octane tennis action.
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