"Iga Swiatek showcases her dominance at the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, delivering a stunning 6-1, 6-0 victory over Daria Kasatkina, cementing her status as a top contender in women's tennis."
Iga Swiatek delivered an impressive performance at the 2024 WTA Finals held in Riyadh, easily defeating Daria Kasatkina with a score of 6-1, 6-0 in only 53 minutes, thereby keeping her hopes for the semi-finals alive. The five-time Grand Slam champion showcased her skills in the final round-robin match by breaking the Russian player five times and not facing any break points in an almost flawless exhibition of tennis.
The current world No. 2 has now increased her undefeated streak against Kasatkina to six matches, holding a 6-1 record in their head-to-head encounters. This victory marks Swiatek's 10th triumph over a top-10 player in 2024, signifying her third consecutive season achieving double-digit wins against high-ranking opponents. She joins a select group of players who have accomplished this in three successive years since 2000, which includes Venus Williams (2000-2002) and Serena Williams (2012-2014).
Swiatek's performance on the court was impeccable, and she showed contentment with her effort: 'I felt it was a really strong performance from my side,' Swiatek commented in her post-match interview. 'I’m pleased that I did everything necessary to secure the win, and I'm happy to have two victories in the group now.'
Her 6-0 triumph over Kasatkina allowed her to equal Serena Williams' record of five bagel sets at the WTA Finals, with only Martina Navratilova (12), Chris Evert, and Steffi Graf (7) having achieved greater numbers.
Swiatek's chance to reach the semi-finals now depends on the result of the matchup between Coco Gauff and Barbora Krejcikova. If Gauff comes out on top, Swiatek will move forward, finishing second in her group. Conversely, if Krejcikova wins, Swiatek will be eliminated, as she would fall short in the number of sets won. Swiatek had secured a victory over Krejcikova in her opening match but lost to Gauff in straight sets during her second match.
The 23-year-old's display at the WTA Finals further enhances her remarkable 2024 season, during which she has consistently demonstrated her prowess as one of the leading and most formidable players in women's tennis.
