WTA Finals: Swiatek routs Kasatkina but semi-final berth hinges on Gauff v Krejcikova
The Pole will advance to the semi-finals only if Gauff beats Krejcikova later today
Iga Swiatek – WTA Finals 2024
Image Credit: Chine Nouvelle /SIPA
World No 2 Iga Swiatek put on her most impressive performance of the week by beating Russia’s Daria Kasatkina in her final group match at the WTA Finals in Riyadh but the Pole’s hopes to make it to the semi-final hinges on the outcome of the match between Coco Gauff and Barbora Krejcikova.
Needing a win to advance to the semi-finals after going 1-1 in her first two group matches, Swiatek scored a comprehensive 6-1, 6-0 win over Kasatkina, who came in as an alternate after American Jessica Pegula pulled out of the tournament due to injury.
With the win, Swiatek improves to 6-1 lifetime against the Russian. It was her sixth consecutive win over Kasatkina and all of them have come in straight sets.
Qualifying scenarios for Group Purple with Swiatek, Krejcikova in hunt for last semi-final spot
Playing her first tournament since joining forces with coach Win Fissette, Swiatek now needs Gauff, who is already assured of a semi-final berth, to beat Krejcikova so that she can advance to the semi-finals from the Purple Group. If Krejcikova defeats Gauff, the Czech will move into the semi-finals along with the American.
Here are the possible scenarios for the Purple Group:
- If Gauff beats Krejcikova 1. Gauff 2. Swiatek
- If Krejcikova beats Gauff in straight sets 1. Krejickova 2. Gauff
- If Krejcikova beats Gauff in three sets 1. Gauff 2. Krejcikova
