Tue Nov 05 14:24:22 UTC 2024: ## Swiatek Starts WTA Finals Campaign With Comeback Win, Eyes World No. 1 Ranking
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Iga Swiatek kicked off her bid to reclaim the world number one ranking at the WTA Finals with a hard-fought victory over Barbora Krejcikova in the opening round-robin match. The reigning French Open champion faced a tough challenge, trailing the Wimbledon champion by a set and two breaks before staging a remarkable comeback to secure a 4-6 7-5 6-2 victory.
Swiatek’s victory marked her first match since her quarter-final exit at the US Open in September and her first under new coach Wim Fissette. “At the beginning, I felt a bit rusty, but I’m happy that I found a way to play a bit more solid,” the 23-year-old said after the match.
The Polish star is in a tight race with Aryna Sabalenka for the year-end number one ranking. To reclaim the top spot, Swiatek must win the WTA Finals title, while Sabalenka needs to win all three of her round-robin matches or reach the final.
Sabalenka began her campaign with a victory over Zheng Qinwen on Saturday, while Coco Gauff beat fellow American Jessica Pegula in the second Orange Group match on Sunday.
The WTA Finals is being held in Saudi Arabia for the first time, a move that has drawn criticism from some due to the country’s human rights record.
The tournament features the top eight players in the world, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The Purple Group features Sabalenka, Zheng, Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini.
The tournament continues this week with the remaining round-robin matches.
First Piper 