RYBAKINA TAKES CHARGE OF GROUP
Both Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina came into this match unbeaten, but it is the latter who now has control of the Serena Williams Group at the WTA Finals in Riyadh with two wins from two.
Swiatek made the stronger start, breaking Rybakina’s first service game and going on to take the opening set 6-3.
But then Rybakina found some confidence, her forehand started to find the line and her serve became more and more of a weapon.
The pressure told on Swiatek, who coughed up 19 unforced errors in the second set as Rybakina took it 6-1.
Rybakina started fast in the third set as well and never let up, leaving Swiatek with a mountain to climb.
And instead of gaining any sort of foothold, Rybakina took it 6-0, to bagel Swiatek as she closed out the win in one hour and 37 minutes.
Swiatek will not be happy with her final tally of 42 unforced errors to just 12 winners, and knows she will need to improve before playing Amanda Anisimova in the final round of games.
Rybakina, meanwhile, could qualify for the semi-finals on Monday depending on the result of the second match between Anisimova and Madison Keys later on.
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