The 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh have delivered high-stakes matches as the round-robin stage concluded. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the four last and deciding encounters.
WTA Semifinals setup in 2024 – Original picture courtesy of US OPEN
Match Report: Sabalenka vs. Rybakina
- Date: November 6, 2024
- Group: Purple
- Result: Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
Set 1:
Elena Rybakina began assertively, utilizing her powerful serve and groundstrokes to dictate play. She secured a break in the fifth game, leading 3-2, by exploiting Sabalenka’s unforced errors. Sabalenka attempted to counter with aggressive baseline play but struggled with consistency. Rybakina maintained her advantage, serving efficiently and found the breakthrough late on in the first set. She closed the set 6-4.
Set 2:
Sabalenka responded in the second set with increased aggression, particularly on her serve and forehand. She managed to break Rybakina’s serve, establishing a lead that she maintained throughout the set. Sabalenka’s dominance in this set was evident as she took it 6-3, leveling the match. By this time, Sabalenka had already showed a less calmer attitude as we had become used to in the past year or so. Rybakina was visibly unnerving her.
Set 3:
In the decisive third set, Rybakina regained control, capitalizing on Sabalenka’s unforced errors and displaying superior fitness. She broke Sabalenka’s serve early and continued to apply pressure, ultimately taking the set 6-1. This victory enhances Rybakina’s prospects for next year’s season 2025. Sabalenka wanted to grab Rybakina by the hairs early on but failed to do so. This remains Sabalenka’s least favoured match-up on the WTA Tour. Nevertheless, Aryna Sabalenka sailed throigh to the semifinals.
Match Report: Jasmine Paolini vs. Qinwen Zheng
- Date: November 6, 2024
- Group: Purple
- Result: Qinwen Zheng defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-1, 6-1
Set 1:
Qinwen Zheng began the match with aggressive baseline play, breaking Paolini’s serve in the first game. She continued to apply pressure, securing another break to lead 4-0. Paolini struggled to find her rhythm, committing several unforced errors. Zheng maintained her advantage, closing the set 6-1.
Set 2:
Zheng displayed resilience in the second set, holding her serve in the initial games and creating break-point opportunities. However, Paolini’s clutch serving under pressure nullified these threats. A pivotal break in the fourth game allowed Zheng to lead 3-1. She sustained this momentum, ultimately clinching the set 6-1 and securing a straight-sets victory. This win made Qinwen Zheng progress to the semi-finals, while Paolini crashes out.
Match Report: Świątek vs. Kasatkina
- Date: November 7, 2024
- Group: Orange
- Result: Iga Świątek defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-0
Set 1:
Iga Świątek opened the match with incredible intensity, quickly taking control of the rallies and breaking Kasatkina’s serve early. Daria Kasatkina, who stepped in as an alternate after Jessica Pegula withdrew due to a knee injury, struggled to adapt to Świątek’s aggressive baseline play. Iga Swiatek continued to pressure Kasatkina, breaking serve repeatedly to take the set 6-1 in just under half an hour, demonstrating her dominance from the start.
Set 2:
Świątek carried her momentum into the second set, breaking Kasatkina right away and continuing her unrelenting pace. Kasatkina, unable to find answers, saw her serve broken multiple times, with Świątek winning a remarkable 51 of 74 points overall in the match. Świątek closed out the set 6-0, completing one of her most decisive victories of the year in just 51 minutes.
This comprehensive win was Świątek’s second-shortest match of the year, just behind her 40-minute win over Anastasia Potapova at Roland Garros. With five breaks of serve out of six opportunities, Świątek demonstrated her peak form. However, despite the impressive victory, her advancement depended on the outcome of the following match between Barbora Krejčíková and Coco Gauff. Read below.
Match Report: Gauff vs. Krejcikova – Would the Impossible Happen?
- Date: November 7, 2024
- Group: Orange
- Result: Barbora Krejčíková defeated Coco Gauff 7-5, 6-4
Set 1:
The match opened with a fierce display of athleticism and skill from both players, as Gauff and Krejčíková exchanged blistering shots from the baseline. Gauff’s agility allowed her to chase down Krejčíková’s precise angles, while Krejčíková’s tactical play kept her in control of the rallies. As the set advanced, each player held serve under mounting pressure, but at 5-5, Krejčíková made her move, having failed to do so by serving it out at 4-5. She broke Gauff’s serve with a series of well-timed, aggressive shots, then held her own serve with poise to clinch the set 7-5, giving her the upper hand in a tight opener.
Set 2:
Gauff came into the second set determined, again matching Krejčíková’s intensity and searching for ways to break through. Both players held serve easily in a gripping back-and-forth, with Krejčíková’s accuracy countered by Gauff’s speed and resilience. At 4-4, Krejčíková saw an opening once again at 0-30, breaking Gauff’s serve by exploiting small errors in the American’s game. Now serving for the match, Krejčíková stayed calm and methodical, securing the set 6-4 to close out a hard-fought game, and victory.
All Ready for the Semifinals
With her victory, Krejčíková showcased her ability to rise to the occasion, using strategic shot-making and seizing critical points to claim the match. Her composure under pressure and timely aggression helped her overcome Gauff’s athletic challenge. This well-earned win made Krejčíková progress to the semi-finals at the expense of Iga Swiatek.
The semifinal setup will see Coco Gauff face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, while Barbora Krejčíková takes on Qinwen Zheng.