RIYADH - Iga Swiatek looked rusty on her return after two months out, as the world No. 2 rallied from a set and two service breaks down for a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 win over Barbora Krejcikova and kick-started her WTA Finals title defence in Riyadh on Nov 3.
Poland's Swiatek lost in the US Open quarter-finals in September and was leapfrogged in the world rankings by Aryna Sabalenka, after opting to skip the WTA Tour's Asian swing due to fatigue.
"At the beginning I felt a bit rusty but I am happy I found a way to play a bit more solid. I didn't feel great at the start," said Swiatek.
"I just tried to do my usual stuff, control the ball a bit more because it was flying from my racket.
"I knew I had that game in me. I just needed to find it."
The 23-year-old, who is looking to reclaim top spot in the Saudi Arabian capital, dropped serve early and was unable to gain a foothold as Wimbledon champion Krejcikova ran away with the first set in their Orange Group match.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 04, 2024 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 04, 2024 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
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