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Iga Świątek and Elena Rybakina Dominate the Opening Day of the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh
A Commanding Start to the Year-End Championship
The 2025 WTA Finals kicked off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with two statement victories that set the tone for the tournament. World No. 1 Iga Świątek and Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina both opened their campaigns with ruthless wins, showcasing their elite form and intent to finish the season on top.
Iga Świątek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, dismantled Madison Keys, this year’s Australian Open winner, in just 61 minutes, 6-1, 6-2. In the other match of the Serena Williams Group, Rybakina overwhelmed Amanda Anisimova, 6-3, 6-1, needing only 57 minutes to seal victory.
The tournament features the top eight singles players and doubles teams from the WTA season, all competing for a record-breaking $15.5 million prize pool and the honor of closing the year as the world’s best.
Świątek’s Ruthless Precision and Mental Control
A Statement Win Over Madison Keys
Iga Świątek wasted no time sending a message to her rivals. From the very first game, she played with intensity and control, dictating points from the baseline with her trademark heavy topspin and pinpoint accuracy.
Keys, known for her explosive hitting, simply couldn’t match Świątek’s consistency or court coverage. The Polish star broke serve early in both sets, using her deep returns and quick transitions to keep the American under constant pressure.
The 6-1, 6-2 result reflected total dominance — and a reminder of why Świątek has become the sport’s most reliable performer on every surface.
“The first match in this format is always important,” Świątek said afterward. “I wanted to show confidence and stay focused from the very start. It worked out perfectly.”
Eyeing a Second WTA Finals Crown
Świątek already won the WTA Finals title in 2022, and her performance in Riyadh suggests she’s poised for another run. After a stellar season highlighted by her Wimbledon triumph, she appears in complete control — both physically and mentally.
Her tactical intelligence stood out as much as her power. Świątek varied her pace, mixing deep rallies with short angles, constantly forcing Keys to hit on the move. That ability to adapt mid-match has become one of her greatest strengths.
If she maintains this level, she’ll be the player to beat throughout the tournament.
Rybakina’s Power and Composure Shine Bright
A Crushing Victory Against Amanda Anisimova
In contrast to Świątek’s precision, Elena Rybakina delivered a display of sheer power and efficiency. Against Amanda Anisimova, the sixth seed controlled every aspect of the match, hitting clean winners from both wings and serving with relentless accuracy.
The 6-3, 6-1 win took less than an hour and showcased the aggressive, first-strike tennis that made Rybakina a Wimbledon champion in 2022. Anisimova, known for her own powerful game, found herself on defense almost every point, unable to handle the Kazakh star’s pace.
Rybakina struck 28 winners to just 9 unforced errors — a near-perfect balance of aggression and control.
“I felt great today. My timing was good, and I stayed aggressive without rushing,” Rybakina said after the match. “It’s a nice feeling to start the Finals with confidence.”
Returning to Her Peak Form
After an inconsistent season marked by minor injuries, Rybakina seems to be rediscovering the form that once took her to the top of the sport. Her calm demeanor on court, paired with her explosive serve, makes her one of the most dangerous players in the field.
If she continues to serve this well, few opponents will be able to challenge her indoors — conditions that favor her flat, fast-paced game.
The WTA Finals Arrive in Saudi Arabia: A New Era for Women’s Tennis
The decision to host the WTA Finals in Riyadh marks a historic first for the sport. For the WTA, it’s both a business and symbolic move — expanding into new markets and aiming to inspire women’s participation in sports across the Middle East.
However, the choice has not come without criticism. Some have raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and gender equality issues. The WTA maintains that the partnership is intended to promote progress and visibility for women’s athletics globally.
Regardless of the political backdrop, the tournament has already delivered world-class tennis, proving that the players’ focus remains firmly on the competition.
What Lies Ahead in the Serena Williams Group
Świątek and Rybakina now lead the Serena Williams Group, with each eyeing a spot in the semifinals. Every win in the round-robin format counts, not only for progression but also for valuable WTA ranking points.
Elsewhere, stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula will debut in the Martina Navratilova Group, promising more high-level matchups in the coming days.
The level of competition this year is extraordinarily deep — no easy matches, no guaranteed outcomes. With each player capable of beating anyone on a given day, every set, every game, and even every point could prove decisive.
Meanwhile in Paris: Sinner Surges to the Final
On the men’s tour, Italian star Jannik Sinner delivered an equally commanding performance in Paris, defeating Alexander Zverev to reach the Rolex Paris Masters final. His victory adds to the narrative of a new generation ready to dominate both the ATP and WTA circuits.
Conclusion: A Thunderous Start to the 2025 WTA Finals
The first day of the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh belonged to Iga Świątek and Elena Rybakina, two players at the height of their powers. Świątek’s control and precision met Rybakina’s raw power in a double showcase of excellence — a preview of the battles to come.
With record prize money, a historic new location, and an elite field, this year’s Finals represent a pivotal moment for women’s tennis. If the opening day is any indication, fans around the world are in for a spectacular week of competition, ambition, and history in the match