Iga Swiatek, expeditious victory in the first match of the WTA Finals » Only 3 games left for the Australian Open champion

The first duel of the 2025 edition of the WTA Finals pitted two Grand Slam champions from this season, Wimbledon, Iga Swiatekand the one at the Australian Open, Madison Keyswho were meeting for the eighth time in the world circuit, the Pole leading 5-2.

A game with a short and cruel history for the American, only 61 minutes for a victory with 6-1, 6-2on the course of which the Pole effectively evolved from service to movement and shots from the back of the court.

It is also true that on the other side of the net was a Madison Keys in her most unhappy version. Returning to tours after a 68-day hiatus – hasn't played since the US Open, where he lost in the 1st round, due to injury – the American looked completely out of rhythm. Also, the service, a double-edged sword, presented the bonat version this time.

Under these conditions, Iga fed on the insecurity of the opponent, fueling his own game with positive flow. The first set had no history, a 6-1 short, dominant in the second, the world No. 2 dropped his serve at the start, but it was the only misstep of the match. He finally crossed the finish line in full swing, with 6-2.

Hitting her targets 🎯@iga_swiatek | #WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/KPhAkjqkUU

— wta (@WTA) November 1, 2025

Even with that severe score, it's not the most drastic defeat Keys has suffered against Swiatek. In 2022, at Indian Wells, in the quarterfinals, Iga prevailed 6-1, 6-0 against the American.

Iga Swiatek: “I played with the right balance between being solid and aggressive”

“Any of us here should be proud of the season we've had” said the 2023 WTA Finals champion in the on-court interview. “I'm trying to enjoy myself, appreciate what's going on, it feels great to be in Riyadh again, especially since we've changed hosts for the Tournament of Champions in recent years. Being here, in a place I know, feels a bit like home“, she added.

Swiatek then spoke about her progress, noting that she was pleased with every aspect of the game. “All the things I've been training have come together very well, now I've played with the right balance between being solid and aggressive. Overall, I'm happy with the work I've done in Warsaw after the China tournaments. It gives me confidence to move on, to develop as a player, I'm ready for the coming days.”

Iga Swiatek in action at the WTA Finals Photo: Guliver/GettyImages

Then asked about the audience, she made a humorous remark. “I am happy to play in front of you, you are in greater quantity and quality, also with the flags of Poland! No, I was just kidding“, she quickly added, laughing. “The tournament is growing and I think we can do a lot to make tennis more popular and provide opportunities where there weren't any before,” she concluded.

I am also part of the Serena Williams group Amanda Anisimova (seed 4) and Elena Rybakina (favorite 7).