'I Played Better': Elena Rybakina Beats Iga Swiatek To Enter Last Four Of WTA Finals

Last Updated:November 04, 2025, 08:35 IST

Elena Rybakina defeated Iga Swiatek in Riyadh to top the Serena Williams Group at the WTA Finals. Amanda Anisimova beat Madison Keys, who is now eliminated from the competition.

Elena Rybakina returns the ball to Poland's Iga Natalia Swiatek. (AFP Photo)

Elena Rybakina advanced to the semifinals of the WTA Finals with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory over second-seeded Iga Swiatek in round-robin play in Riyadh on Monday. After defeating Amanda Anisimova in her opener on Saturday, Rybakina secured her second win of the week, ensuring she topped the Serena Williams Group.

On the same day, Anisimova overcame a set and a break deficit to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 against seventh-seeded Madison Keys, eliminating Keys from the competition.

“Madi was playing so well; it was quite a battle out there," said fourth-seeded Anisimova. “I’m happy I turned things around in the second set. It was an exciting match and nice to have a bit of a fight."

Rybakina was the last of the eight singles players to qualify for this season’s WTA Finals, having clinched the title in Ningbo and reached the semifinals in Tokyo in the final weeks of the regular season. She has now won her last eight matches.

“I’ve been playing really well the last few weeks. I was improving each match and the results followed," said the 2022 Wimbledon champion. “It’s a great opportunity to play here against the top players. I’m excited about the next matches and hope to bring the same intensity and game."

Rybakina had previously lost all four of her meetings with Swiatek in 2025, and it seemed like she might face another defeat after dropping the opening set in 35 minutes. However, the Kazakh sixth seed adjusted her strategy, using her kick serve and powerful forehand to win 12 of the next 13 games, completing the upset in one hour and 37 minutes.

“It’s always tough to play against Iga; she brings much intensity on the court. In the second set, I pushed myself, my serve improved, and I’m happy I played better," said Rybakina. “Mentally, I’m pleased I stayed focused even after losing the first set, trying to stay aggressive."

Swiatek will need to compete against Anisimova to secure second place in the Serena Williams Group and a spot in the semifinals.

“I will have to watch and analyse, but I think I wasn’t solid in returning those fast long shots," said Swiatek. “She was more aggressive and solid in finishing the rallies. But I need to watch to understand fully."

Anisimova, making her WTA Finals debut, was down a set and 1-3 before gaining momentum by winning the next seven games, securing a one-hour 43-minute victory.

The result eliminates Keys from advancing to the semifinals. The Australian Open champion had not played in two months prior to Riyadh due to an adductor injury.

With AFP Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

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News sports 'I Played Better': Elena Rybakina Beats Iga Swiatek To Enter Last Four Of WTA Finals

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