Elena Rybakina claimed a spectacular comeback victory over Iga Swiatek at the quarter finals of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, winning 3-6, 6-1, 6-0.
Swiatek started strong, taking the first set 6-3 by targeting Rybakina’s body with powerful serves. But in the next two sets, Rybakina dominated; breaking early in the second and handing Swiatek a “bagel” in the third.
Swiatek committed 36 unforced errors in the final two sets; Rybakina made just 17.
Rybakina had broken Swiatek’s rhythm after the first set and maintained pressure until the end.
“It was difficult to be down, but in the second set I pushed myself, the serve improved,” Rybakina said. “Really happy that I stepped in and played better in each point.”
With the win, Rybakina rises to first place in the Serena Williams Group standings and advances to the semi-finals. Swiatek will now need a strong result in her remaining match to stay in contention.
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