Elena Rybakina produced a stunning comeback to defeat world number two Iga Swiatek and secure her place in the knockout stage of the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Monday.
The sixth-seeded Kazakh fought back from a set down to claim a commanding 3–6, 6–1, 6–0 victory, ending a four-match losing streak against the Polish star.
Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina won 12 of the last 13 games in a dominant display.
She snapped Swiatek’s unbeaten run after winning the first set since the Australian Open in January.
“I’m happy I stayed focused mentally. I got some confidence in the second set and everything started going my way,” said Rybakina after the win. “Hopefully I’ll keep playing like this for the rest of the tournament.”
Rybakina’s progression to the semi-finals was later confirmed when Amanda Anisimova came from behind to beat Madison Keys 4–6, 6–3, 6–2.
Anisimova, appearing at er first WTA Finals, showed impressive resilience after trailing by a set and an early break to set up a decisive final group match against Swiatek.
Keys, who appeared unwell, did not shake hands with her opponent at the end.
The WTA Finals, featuring the top eight singles and doubles players of the year, is being held in Saudi Arabia, with a total prize purse of £12 million ($15.5 million).
The result marked Rybakina’s first win over Swiatek in 19 months and her eighth consecutive match victory.
It also made Swiatek the first player since 2013 to lose three matches in a season with a 6–0 final set.
Amanda Anisimova faces Iga Swiatek in a decisive group match on Wednesday.
Rybakina advances to the semi-finals, eyeing her first WTA Finals title.
