The 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh have delivered high-stakes matches as the round-robin stage progresses. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the four recent encounters.
Match report Sabalenka vs. Paolini
- Date: November 4, 2024
- Group: Purple
- Result: Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 7-5
Set 1:
Aryna Sabalenka, the tournament’s top seed, wasted no time establishing her dominance. From the first ball, she unleashed her powerful baseline game, taking control of the rallies and breaking Paolini twice early to grab a 4-0 lead. Paolini attempted to respond with aggressive strokes of her own but was plagued by inconsistency, with unforced errors creeping in at crucial moments. Sabalenka kept her foot on the gas, serving confidently to close out the set 6-3 with a commanding presence.
Set 2:
In the second set, Paolini showcased her fighting spirit, holding serve in the opening game and pressing Sabalenka with a break to lead 2-0. Sabalenka fought back impressively, taking control to reach 4-2 and seemingly on course to close out the match. However, Paolini battled back and astonishingly earned two set points, only for Sabalenka to respond with two fearless shots. A crucial break in the eleventh game gave Sabalenka a 6-5 edge, and she held her serve to seal the set 7-5, clinching a straight-sets victory. This performance highlights not only Sabalenka’s formidable form but also her steely resolve under pressure. She now continues her determined path in the tournament.
Rybakina vs. Qinwen Zheng
- Date: November 4, 2024
- Group: Purple
- Result: Qinwen Zheng defeated Elena Rybakina 7-6, 3-6, 6-1
Set 1:
The opening set was a nail-biter, with both Zheng and Rybakina trading powerful shots from the baseline, neither willing to concede ground. Each held serve, pushing the set to a tiebreak. In the crucial moments, Zheng’s precision and strategic shot-making gave her the edge, and she clinched the tiebreak 7-4 to secure the set 7-6.
Set 2:
Rybakina came out firing in the second set, elevating her aggression, especially with her serve and forehand. Her efforts paid off as she broke Zheng’s serve and established a lead she held onto firmly. Her dominant play in this set allowed her to take it 6-3, bringing the match back to even.
Set 3:
Zheng then regrouped for the final set with a renewed focus and energy. Capitalizing on Rybakina’s rising unforced errors, Zheng broke serve early and kept up relentless pressure throughout. Her superior fitness shone through, allowing her to dominate and close the set 6-1. This hard-fought victory boosts Zheng’s chances of reaching the semifinals, while Rybakina is out.
Iga Świątek vs. Coco Gauff
- Date: November 5, 2024
- Group: Orange
- Result: Coco Gauff defeated Iga Świątek 6-3, 6-4
Set 1:
Coco Gauff came out with purpose, breaking Świątek’s serve in the third game to edge ahead 2-1. Her sharp baseline play and solid serves kept her in control, while Świątek struggled to find her rhythm, her game riddled with unforced errors. Sensing an opportunity, Gauff seized another break to close out the set 6-3, capitalizing on her opponent’s missteps and asserting her advantage.
Set 2:
In the second set, Świątek rallied, breaking Gauff early to jump to a 2-0 lead. But Gauff wasted no time in responding, breaking right back to even the score at 2-2. The set stayed tight, with the players exchanging breaks in a fierce back-and-forth. At 5-4, Gauff earned a decisive break and then served out the set confidently to secure a 6-4 win. This victory marks Gauff’s second triumph over Świątek in their rivalry, underscoring her steady rise in their head-to-head encounters.
Gauff’s triumph not only advanced her to the semifinals but also ensured that Aryna Sabalenka would finish the year as the world number one. Świątek, despite the loss, remains in contention for a semifinal spot but must win her next match against Pegula.
Jessica Pegula vs. Krejčíková
- Date: November 5, 2024
- Group: Orange
- Result: Barbora Krejčíková defeated Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-3
Set 1:
Barbora Krejčíková came out strong, breaking Pegula’s serve early and establishing control with her precise baseline shots. Pegula found it challenging to keep pace, as Krejčíková’s aggressive play forced errors. Krejčíková stayed steady and held onto her lead, closing out the set 6-3.
Set 2:
Pegula attempted to find her rhythm in the second set, successfully holding her serve in the opening games. However, Krejčíková’s consistent play and strategic shot selection kept the pressure high. She earned a crucial break, and Pegula struggled to recover. Krejčíková maintained her momentum, taking the set 6-3 and sealing a straight-sets victory to strengthen her standing in the tournament.
This win keeps Krejčíková firmly in contention for a semifinal spot. With a solid performance and straight-sets victory, she bolsters her position in the group standings, making her last matches pivotal against Gauff who is already in the semifinals.