Riyadh — If there was any doubt about Iga Świątek’s intent at the WTA Finals, she dispelled it within an hour. The world No. 2 delivered a clinical 6-1, 6-2 dismantling of Madison Keys (match stats here) to open her campaign, playing with the focus and precision that have become her trademark.
From the first game, it was vintage Świątek — fast feet, early timing, and total control. “I just focused on myself and my tactics,” she told Sky Sports’ Laura Robson after the win. “I was kind of able to do everything I wanted to, and that’s what I’m most pleased about.”
That focus translated into dominance: she dictated from both wings, pressed on return, and never allowed Keys the time or rhythm to swing freely. “My focus was good from beginning to end,” she said. “I used every opportunity I had to put pressure on her — that paid off.”
Precision, Not Perfection — The Next Phase of Swiatek’s Evolution
Now in her fifth consecutive WTA Finals, Świątek owns a 12–4 record at the event — a remarkable 75 percent win rate. Her 2025 season stands at 62–15, including titles in Wimbledon, Cincinnati, and Seoul, and more than $9.4 million in prize money.
While Aryna Sabalenka’s ranking cushion keeps the No. 1 spot out of immediate reach, Świątek’s motivation burns undiminished. “You need to deliver every day here to win the tournament,” she said. “I’m happy with today, but I need to be ready for the next ones.”
By the time of writing, Elena Rybakina had already made her own statement, sweeping aside Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-1 — a result that underlines just how fierce the early competition has become in Riyadh. It also sets up a heavyweight clash between Świątek and Rybakina in the group stage — a battle likely to define the path to the semi-finals.
Adapting to the Big Hitters
Swiatek’s collaboration with Wim Fissette has transformed more than her serve. “It was one of my goals from the beginning — to be able to hit back fast and low balls without any spin,” she explained. “I think I improved that, and I’m going to try to use that experience here.”
That subtle but vital adaptation has made her far more dangerous on quicker surfaces. Her Wimbledon title proved her evolution: no longer just the queen of clay, she now absorbs and redirects pace as effectively as she creates it.
“There Are More and More Matches Where I Get Free Points”
For years, Swiatek’s serve was a functional weapon — reliable, not devastating. That narrative has changed.
“There are more and more matches where I’m able to get many free points just with my serve,” she noted. “That kind of never happened to me before — I used to have to grind for every point.”
This improvement reflects both technical refinement and newfound confidence. Fissette’s influence, she says, has been crucial.
“It feels nice,” she smiled. “I really appreciate that. It’s great, and hopefully it will continue like that.”
Setting the Standard
Swiatek’s 2025 campaign has been less about reinvention and more about refinement — tuning the details that keep her one step ahead. Even without the lure of the No. 1 chase, her message in Riyadh was unmistakable: she remains the standard-bearer of discipline and execution.
“It’s always about the execution,” she said. “You need to deliver every day.”
As she prepares to face Rybakina on Monday, the equation is simple: win again, and she’ll all but book her place in the semi-finals. The tone she’s set — both in words and in winners — suggests she intends to go much further.